Riverside University Health System – Public Health announced on March 13 that it has received $969,500 in grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety to support efforts aimed at reducing traffic-related injuries and deaths in Riverside County.
The funding is intended to help address ongoing concerns about road safety for drivers, pedestrians, and bicyclists throughout the county. The grants will be used to implement four specific programs targeting issues such as impaired or distracted driving, child passenger safety, and risks faced by new drivers.
Kim Saruwatari, Director of RUHS – Public Health, said, “We are doing more than just educating our communities; we are indirectly saving the lives of both drivers and pedestrians. These grants will allow us to promote safe practices and provide equitable safety solutions for Riverside County residents of all ages.”
The Child Passenger Safety Program will receive $352,500 to conduct community outreach events and training on proper installation and use of child safety seats. This program also includes outreach for older drivers. The College Communities Against Drunk, Drugged, and Distracted Driving Program is allocated $140,000 to work with local colleges on prevention education related to impaired and distracted driving. The Be Wiser Teen Impaired/Distracted Driving and Speeding/Occupant Safety Program will get $207,000 for educational initiatives in high schools and middle schools. Finally, the Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program is set to receive $270,000 for strategies such as classroom education and community events focused on reducing injuries among pedestrians and cyclists.
These grants are funded through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration via the California Office of Traffic Safety. Funding will support these programs through September 2026.
Looking ahead, RUHS-PH plans to continue its injury-prevention efforts using these resources over the next year.
