NEWMAN — The Newman Police Department has been awarded a $55,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to expand its traffic enforcement and education efforts, aiming to reduce serious injuries and fatalities on local roads through targeted operations and community outreach.

The grant, which runs through September 2026, will allow the department to increase patrols, conduct DUI checkpoints, and host public safety presentations focused on distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding, and pedestrian awareness.

“One of the most frequent complaints our department receives relates to unsafe driving practices within our community,” Newman Police Sergeant Ashley Williams said. “This grant allows us to supplement our existing traffic enforcement efforts in making our roadways safer for everyone. There will be an emphasis on enforcement of some of the most dangerous driving behaviors to include speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving.”

The funding will support a range of high-impact programs, including:

• DUI checkpoints and saturation patrols targeting suspected impaired drivers.
• High-visibility enforcement operations focused on violations of California’s hands-free cell phone law.
• Traffic stops aimed at curbing behaviors that endanger pedestrians and cyclists.
• Crackdowns on top crash-causing violations such as speeding, failure to yield, red-light running, and improper lane changes.
• Community education events addressing key safety topics.
• Officer training and recertification in Standard Field Sobriety Testing (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) protocols.

The grant is part of a statewide initiative funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered through OTS to help local agencies address traffic safety concerns with data-driven strategies.

In neighboring jurisdictions, the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office also received a $90,000 grant from OTS to bolster its own traffic enforcement efforts. The Sheriff’s Office plans to use the funding to conduct similar operations, including DUI checkpoints, distracted driving enforcement, and collaborative efforts with other agencies.

“We are grateful to receive this grant, which will strengthen our traffic enforcement efforts and improve road safety,” Deputy Matthew Orr 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 Sheriff’s Office will also invest in officer training and community engagement, with presentations planned to raise awareness about bicycle and pedestrian safety, impaired driving, and speeding.

OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty emphasized the importance of community-wide participation in building a safer transportation environment.

“Through focused traffic enforcement and education, we’re working toward a future where everyone will be safe on California roads,” Dougherty said. “By encouraging people to prioritize safety in their daily choices, we are creating a strong road safety culture together.”

Both grants reflect a growing commitment to proactive traffic enforcement and public education across Stanislaus County. Local agencies say the funding will help them respond to persistent concerns from residents and improve safety for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

For Newman residents, the grant marks a significant step toward addressing long-standing complaints about speeding and distracted driving in residential areas and school zones.

“This is about protecting lives,” Williams said. “Whether it’s through enforcement or education, we want to make sure every person who travels through Newman gets home safely.”