Your Monthly Update

January 2024

Director's Message

As we welcome 2024, the Office of Traffic Safety looks back on a year of progress. In 2023, we proudly allocated almost $110 million in federal funding, a remarkable 15% increase from the previous fiscal year. These funds powered 373 traffic safety grants, reinforcing essential education and enforcement programs that help save lives.

This significant investment shows our strong commitment to road safety. The impact is evident in strengthened educational initiatives and heightened enforcement measures aimed at reducing traffic fatalities and serious injuries. As we start the new year, we will continue to build on the foundations laid in 2023, carrying this momentum forward.

We hope our collective efforts and these initiatives will lead to a year where people can safely get to and from places. We wish you all a Happy and Safe New Year!

All the best and go safely!

New Year, New Laws

The New Year brings with it new laws. Here is newly enacted legislation to look out for:

Speed Camera Pilot Program – AB 645 (Friedman)

Establishes a five-year pilot program to give local transportation authorities in San Jose, Oakland, Los Angeles, Glendale, Long Beach and San Francisco the authority to install a limited number of speed cameras on local streets where there are safety concerns. The cameras will automatically take a picture of a speeding car’s license plate and deliver a notice of violation to the registered owner through the mail. The law is intended to reduce speeding, traffic crashes, serious injuries and fatalities.

Improved Visibility at Crosswalks and Intersections - AB 413 (Lee)

Prohibits a person from parking a vehicle within 20 feet of either side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk, or within 15 feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present. Permits local governments to allow parking for bicycles or motorized scooters within 20 feet of a crosswalk. The law is intended to increase visibility of oncoming traffic by removing parked cars near crosswalks and intersections, a safety measure known as “daylighting.”

OTS Accepting Applications for the 2025 Federal Fiscal Year

Do you have traffic safety ideas that you would like to implement in your area? Traffic fatalities continue to be a significant problem in California, so let’s work together to save lives! We look forward to having conversations on improving traffic safety in your community.

The OTS is accepting applications for the 2025 Federal Fiscal Year. Applications are due electronically by Jan. 31. To apply through our Grants Electronic Management System (GEMS), visit the OTS website. You may also view our virtual application workshop and download a slide deck of our presentation.

Caltrans and the OTS Invite Californians to Name Caltrans' Newest Snowplows

Snow doubt about it, winter driving can be nerve-wracking. Caltrans and the OTS are injecting a flurry of fun into this season of inclement weather and icy roads by inviting Californians to flash their cool and creative side in the first Caltrans Snowplow Naming Contest. The chosen names will go on Caltrans’ new fleet of mighty snowplows as they clear the way for safer winter roads. Like snowflakes, each name will be unique. They can even be polar opposites.

The deadline for entrants to submit their chosen name is Feb. 15. The OTS and Caltrans will announce the grand-prize winner – and the winning name – on March 4. Participants can submit their snowplow name by visiting the gosafelyca.org website and completing the entry form.

Grantee Highlight: Lompoc Fire Department

The Lompoc City Fire Department recently received a set of state-of-the-art Pantheon Holmatro battery-powered extrication tools. These tools will significantly improve the department's ability to quickly respond and rescue crash victims trapped in vehicles.

“This grant will have a significant impact on our ability to protect and serve our community, allowing us to respond even more effectively in times of need,” said Lompoc City Fire Battalion Chief Cody Lee. 

The extrication tools are critical for the care of people injured in crashes. Post-crash care is one of the five elements of the Safe System Approach (SSA). The SSA is the guiding paradigm for road safety adopted by the OTS and transportation departments that builds and reinforces multiple layers of protection so that when crashes do happen, they are less severe.

Equity Corner: 2024 Community Streets Grant Program Funding Announcement

Applications for SCAG’s Go Human 2024 Community Streets Grant Program are now open. The program will award up to $30,000 in funding to approximately 12 community-based organizations to implement engagement projects and strategies that improve safety for people walking and biking. The program seeks to improve traffic safety locally and across the Southern California region, building community leadership committed to traffic safety and prioritizing projects for historically excluded or disinvested communities, mobility justice, disability justice and rural community investment.

Community-based organizations, non-profits, and social enterprises across the SCAG region are eligible to submit a Community Hubs Program proposal. Apply by Feb. 2.

OTS Director Commends Dedication and Excellence at CHP Cadet Graduation

On Jan. 5, the OTS Director Barbara Rooney was the keynote speaker at the California Highway Patrol (CHP) Cadet Training Class IV-23 graduation ceremony at the CHP Academy in West Sacramento. Ninety-five new officers were sworn in and will join the ranks at one of the CHP's 103 Area offices. ​

“The more than six months of training and hard work exemplify the remarkable dedication and determination of the newest CHP officers,” Director Rooney said. “Congratulations to all embarking on a bright new chapter in public service!”

The graduating officers, including four women, reported for duty on Jan. 15, 2024.

Interested in what life is like at the CHP Academy? The CHP is providing a behind-the-scenes look in a new nine-part series debuting on YouTube on Jan. 17. A trailer for the series, produced entirely by CHP staff, is available online.

Hundreds of Communities Awarded Federal Grants to Improve Safety and Prevent Traffic Deaths

California is the recipient of more than $149 million in federal funding for 74 projects that will help improve road safety in communities throughout California, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced last month.

In all, more than $800 million will be distributed through 48 traffic safety initiatives and 337 grants for planning and demonstration activities throughout the country. Funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grants help communities develop road safety action plans and test out road safety features such as separated bicycle lanes or curb extensions at intersections. 

In all, $1.7 billion in SS4A grants were awarded over three application periods last year.

Applications for the next round of SS4A are anticipated to open in February.

FHWA Releases New Traffic Control Device Manual with Updates to Improve Safety for Bicyclists, Pedestrians and Everyone Using Roads

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has introduced the 11th edition of the "Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices for Streets and Highways" (MUTCD), a national standard governing traffic signs, signals, and pavement markings. The manual, last revised in 2009, aims to establish a consistent and safe environment for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.

This edition incorporates extensive public input. The update will assist state and local agencies in the design of safer streets for people walking, biking, and driving while also accommodating advancements in technology to improve the efficiency of the transportation system.

New Employee Spotlight: Matt DeMelo

The OTS is excited to welcome Matt DeMelo as the new IT (Information Technology) Manager. Matt has more than 10 years of experience in state service and is a familiar face around the OTS, where he spent six years in various roles, including Systems Administrator and Acting Deputy Director of Technology and Administration. Matt is returning to the OTS from the California High Speed Rail Authority, where he served as the Infrastructure Operations Supervisor. He lives in Elk Grove with his family and enjoys hiking, backpacking, and exploring the back roads.

We asked Matt a few questions to get to know him. Answers may have been edited for length and clarity.

What are you looking forward to most in your new role?

I’m looking forward to affecting positive change in the Technology Division at the OTS to better support our mission of reducing roadway fatalities.

What is your favorite book?

I enjoy reading the “Jack Reacher” novels by Lee Child.

One day to unplug. No strings attached. What would that day look like?

I would plan an activity outdoors in solitude, either in a hammock on a beach with an ice chest full of tasty beverages or solo hiking in the High Sierra (+10k feet elevation).

What or who inspires you?

People who demonstrate honesty, integrity, and a good work ethic, regardless of circumstances, inspire me.

Publications and Resources

Release Templates

OTS Grant Application Outreach Workshops for FFY2025

Go Safely Movement

New "Don't be the 'I' in DUI" Public Service Announcements

Law Enforcement Liaison (LEL) Program

OTS Funding At a Glance

OTS Logos

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