The South Lake Tahoe Police Department announced it has received a $45,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety to support programs aimed at reducing serious injuries and deaths on local roads.
The grant program runs through September 2026.
“We are grateful to receive this grant, which will strengthen our traffic enforcement efforts and improve road safety,” South Lake Tahoe Police Sergeant Johnny Spaeth said. “Through a combination of education and enforcement efforts, our goal is to reduce dangerous driving behaviors, prevent crashes, and make our roads safer for everyone."
The funding will support a variety of programs and resources, including DUI checkpoints and patrols targeting suspected impaired drivers, high-visibility distracted driving enforcement focused on California’s hands-free cell phone law, and operations aimed at preventing dangerous behaviors that threaten people walking or biking.
Additional enforcement will focus on top violations that cause crashes, such as speeding, failure to yield, running stop signs or red lights, and improper turning or lane changes.
The grant also funds community presentations on traffic safety topics, including distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and bicycle and pedestrian safety, as well as collaborative enforcement efforts with neighboring agencies.
Officers will receive training and recertification opportunities in Standard Field Sobriety Tests, Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement, and Drug Recognition Expert programs.
“Through focused traffic enforcement and education, we’re working toward a future where everyone will be safe on California roads,” OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty said. “By encouraging people to prioritize safety in their daily choices, we are creating a strong road safety culture together."
The grant was provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety.
