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Your Monthly Update
November/December 2024
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Celebrating a Legacy: OTS Director Barbara Rooney Retires After Transformative Leadership in Traffic Safety | |
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After more than three decades of public service, the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Director Barbara Rooney is entering her next chapter: retirement!
Barbara was appointed the OTS Director by Governor Gavin Newsom in Aug. 2019. Barbara led traffic safety efforts at the state and national level, serving as the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA) Vice Chair in 2020 and 2021 and then as GHSA Chair in 2022 and 2023. Barbara was instrumental in expanding the OTS, growing the organization by nearly 40% over the past three years, all while managing once-in-a-generation levels of funding that brought more traffic safety projects into communities.
Barbara has left an indelible mark on road safety in California and beyond. The OTS is forever grateful for her decades of work improving traffic safety and wishes her all the best in her new endeavors.
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NHTSA Reports Decline in Traffic Fatalities in Priority Areas for Early 2024 | |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released its early estimates of traffic fatalities in key safety areas for the first half of 2024, projecting a decline in nearly all priority areas. Fatalities decreased 3% in crashes involving pedestrians, 6% in speeding-related crashes and rollover crashes, and 7% in crashes involving people who were not wearing a seat belt. | |
AAA Survey Finds "Most Dangerous" Drivers on the Road More Frequently | |
Drivers who are speeding, distracted or driving while impaired are on the road more than safer drivers, a recent AAA Foundation Traffic Safety Culture Index (TSCI) survey found. The most dangerous drivers were also more likely to be driving older, less safe vehicles. Safe drivers tended to drive less and steer clear of risks, and strongly disapprove of dangerous behaviors. The TSCI survey grouped drivers into five profiles that reflect their attitudes and driving habits. While most drivers recognize the dangers of unsafe practices, many admitted to engaging in them within the past month. Researchers concluded that the survey findings underscore the importance of targeted actions to address dangerous driving behaviors and foster a safety culture on our roads. | |
The OTS Grant Applications Now Available | |
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Do you have ideas for programs to improve traffic safety in your community? Apply for a grant with the OTS. Applications are now available for Federal Fiscal Year 2026.
The OTS will be hosting a series of meetings in December and January where you can learn more about our grant programs and how to apply.
Applications are due by January 31, 2025.
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California Invests Over $100 Million for Safe Walking and Biking Routes Grants in Disadvantaged Communities | |
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The California Transportation Commission (CTC) has awarded more than $100 million in funding to support 13 projects aimed at expanding safe walking and biking options in communities throughout the state, the Governor’s Office announced in a news release.
Funding is provided through the 2025 Active Transportation Program (ATP), and goes toward building new bikeways, sidewalks, multi-use paths, and safe street crossings, with a particular emphasis in disadvantaged communities. More than half of the projects prioritize “Safe Routes to Schools.”
An additional $67 million will be awarded to projects by the state’s ten largest Metropolitan Planning Organizations next year. The CTC investments bring the total funding for walking and biking projects to $2.7 billion during the Newsom Administration.
Launched in 2013, the ATP is dedicated to walking and biking infrastructure and is on top of additional funding available through Senate Bill 1, the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and various other state and federal funds.
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Three Years In, Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Has Unleashed Investment Across California | |
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced in a news release that nearly $62 billion from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) has jump-started thousands of critical infrastructure projects across California since 2021. In the three years since the BIL was enacted, California has received over $61.5 billion to modernize its infrastructure. This historic investment supports safer roads and bridges, clean drinking water, expanded public transit, upgraded airports and ports, climate resilience, conservation, and cleaner energy. An additional $3 billion from the Inflation Reduction Act has further fueled state projects. | |
Biden-Harris Administration Announces $172 Million in Grants for 250+ Communities to Make Local Roads Safer | |
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California has been awarded over $24 million in grants as part of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. This funding is part of a $172 million allocation to 257 communities nationwide in the third and final round of 2024 awards. With 27 California communities receiving a portion of the latest funding, the state has now received more than $189 million across 83 communities to make streets safer, more walkable, and better connected.
The SS4A program, a key component of the National Roadway Safety Strategy, supports planning and demonstration projects to prevent traffic fatalities and serious injuries, particularly on rural and urban roads. Since its launch in 2022, SS4A has funded projects to plan and implement roadway improvements that have been proven to dramatically reduce crashes. More than 1,600 communities, almost half of which are in rural areas, have applied for and been awarded SS4A grants.
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CalSTA Taps Jessica Chan to Serve as Acting OTS Director | |
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The California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA) announced Nov. 26 that Jessica Chan, the OTS Deputy Director of the Administrative Services Division, will serve as Acting OTS Director until the position is permanently filled. The announcement follows the retirement of OTS Director Barbara Rooney last month.
Jessica has nearly 15 years of experience working for the state of California in a variety of roles, which started at the Department of Motor Vehicles’ Information Technology Services Division. In Fall 2018, she joined the OTS as an Information Technology Specialist and led technology efforts to modernize business processes, including the launch of a new digital signature program that significantly improved the execution of all federal grant agreements. In July 2020, she became the OTS Deputy Director and Chief Information Officer over Administration and Technology before joining the California High Speed Rail Authority in April 2022 as Chief Technology Officer. Jessica has been the Deputy Director of the Administrative Services Division since her return to the OTS in February 2024.
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New Employee Spotlight: Ginger Estopare | |
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The OTS is excited to welcome Ginger Estopare to the OTS team as a Grant Operations Manager in the Program Planning and Grant Operations Division. This position marks the beginning of her career in state service. She brings over 19 years of experience from the San Joaquin County Human Services Agency. She spent 10 years as a Contracts Analyst and the last 3 years as a Contracts Supervisor, amassing 13 years of contract management experience overseeing and guiding the development and implementation of a wide range of social service programs. She loves exploring the outdoors with her husband and two sons in her free time and trying new local restaurants.
We asked Ginger a few questions to get to know her.
What are you looking forward to most in your new role?
Supporting OTS’s mission to effectively administer traffic safety grants that deliver innovative programs and eliminate traffic fatalities and injuries on California roadways.
What is your favorite book or movie?
I enjoy a wide range of movies, with my favorites being “The Last Dragon,” “Crazy Rich Asians,” “Harry Potter,” and “John Wick.”
One day to unplug. No strings attached. What would that day look like?
Spending a day on a beach in Maui with my family.
What or who inspires you?
My parents and in-laws inspire me with their sacrifices, work ethic, and unwavering commitment to family.
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Upcoming Event: 2025 Lifesavers Conference on Roadway Safety Comes to California
Registration for the 2025 Lifesavers Conference is now open! You can book the early bird rate until January 10, 2025. The annual global gathering of traffic safety leaders is coming to California and will be held in Long Beach March 9-11. The conference will feature 70 workshops, plenary sessions, and exhibits focused on reducing traffic fatalities. The conference provides a platform for professionals to exchange ideas, explore best practices, and learn about innovative road safety strategies. Learn more about the Lifesavers Conference
Pew Research: Many Americans Perceive a Rise in Dangerous Driving
As holiday travel ramps up, many Americans believe driving in their communities has become more dangerous since the pandemic, according to a Pew Research Center survey. Nearly half (49%) say local drivers are less safe than five years ago, with 23% describing a significant decline. Distracted driving, particularly cellphone use, tops the list of concerns, with 78% citing it as a major problem. Other common issues include speeding and aggressive behaviors like tailgating and running red lights, noted by 63% of respondents. Learn more about the survey
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety Releases 2025 Roadmap to Safety Report
Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety released the 2025 Roadmap to Safety Report. The report is a guide for state legislatures, Congress and the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to address the tragic number of deaths and injuries on U.S. roadways. Learn more about the report
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The OTS administers traffic safety grants that deliver innovative programs and strives to eliminate traffic fatalities and injuries on California roadways. The OTS is a department under the California State Transportation Agency (CalSTA). | | | |
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