Los Banos, CA (November 28th, 2025) — The Los Banos Police Department announced that it has received a $50,000 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to support the agency’s ongoing effort to reduce serious traffic-related injuries and fatalities. According to the department, the grant-funded program is active through September 2026 and will expand local enforcement and public education initiatives aimed at improving roadway safety.
“We are grateful to receive this grant, which will strengthen our traffic enforcement efforts and improve road safety,” Sergeant Michael Neal 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.”
According to the department, the funding will support several targeted operations, including DUI checkpoints and patrols, high-visibility distracted-driving enforcement, and focused efforts addressing the violations most commonly linked to crashes—such as speeding, failure to yield, stop-sign and red-light running, and unsafe turning movements. Officers will also conduct enforcement aimed at protecting pedestrians and bicyclists.
The grant will additionally fund community outreach presentations on topics such as impaired driving, distracted driving, speeding, and pedestrian and bicycle safety. Collaborative enforcement operations with nearby jurisdictions, along with officer training and recertification for programs including Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), and Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), are also included in the scope of work.
“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 department noted that the program is funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
