The Ohio Department of Public Safety’s (ODPS) Ohio Traffic Safety Office (OTSO) awarded $1,199,963.96 in federal traffic safety funding to the Ohio State Highway Patrol for federal fiscal year 2010.

“These funds are critical to ensuring that we are doing everything possible to keep Ohio safe,” said Capt. Kevin Teaford, Interim Patrol Superintendent said. “Based on crash data, we have identified priority areas for the funding to be used in the areas of speed, impaired driving and safety belt enforcement. We are also pleased to work with our partners at the state level to address these safety issues.”

Patrol management plans to use the funds to support overtime enforcement efforts focusing on safety belt violations, aggressive driving and OVI including the implementation of OVI checkpoints. Additionally, the Patrol will use the funds to participate in the national Click It or Ticket and You Drink. You Drive. You Lose. mobilization programs. The Patrol will also conduct training for local law enforcement agencies in the areas of crash investigation, electronic speed measuring devices and Advanced Detection, Apprehension and Prosecution (ADAP).

To reduce traffic crashes, and the associated preventable injuries and fatalities, the funding will allow state troopers to conduct high-visibility enforcement, working overtime hours and holding educational and awareness events.

The funds are passed through OTSO from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to support the efforts of safety partners statewide and focus on traffic safety priority areas such as restraint use, impaired driving, motorcycle safety and youthful drivers. In the past three years, Ohio’s roadway fatalities have decreased to near record lows. There were 1,191 fatalities on Ohio’s roads in 2008, down from 1,257 in 2007 and 1,239 in 2006.

Competitive grant proposals are accepted and reviewed by OTSO, with funds awarded to projects that will have the greatest impact on reducing fatal crashes or significantly improving traffic safety systems.