TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Chief Russ Mager, Police Department
THROUGH: Terrence R. Moore, ICMA-CM
DATE: November 14, 2023
Title
APPROVAL OF GRANT APPLICATION AND AWARD/FDOT/OCCUPANT PROTECTION/CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY
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Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Motion to approve application and award of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) FY 22/24 Occupant Protection/Child Passenger Safety program grant.
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Background:
The Police Department is requesting approval to submit an application and accept an award for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) FY 23/24 Occupant Protection/Child Passenger Safety program. Funding from this grant provides for overtime salary for officers that will engage in educational and enforcement activities associated with this program.
Studies show that when manufactured seat belts and child restrains are properly installed and utilized, they can save lives and prevent injuries. In 2022, there were 3,437 crashes recorded in the City of Delray Beach which resulted in seven (7) fatalities and over 607 injuries. In 2021, according to NHTSA (National Highway Safety Administration) the national user rate for seat belts was 90.4%. In Palm Beach County the user rate was 90.1%.
According to the FDOT's Highway Safety Matrix for FY 2024, Delray Beach ranked 10th for occupant protection-related serious injuries and fatalities out of 104 cities with a population of 15,000-74,999 in regards to occupant protection (Usage of safety belts). The FDOT FY 2024 Highway Safety Matrix also ranked Palm Beach County #3 out of 26 counties. Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of deaths in the U.S. In 2020, 42,060 people died from motor vehicle crashes according to preliminary estimates report from the National Safety Council (NSC) on traffic fatalities, a significant increase from prior year despite drop in miles driven.
Safety belt citation information shows that many residents and their children are unrestrained occupants. During the duration of the program, if awarded, the members of the Police Department's Traffic Division/Motors Unit will conduct high visibility enforcement on major roadways where the majority of crashes occur in the City of Delray Beach as well as continued traffic safety belt enforcement. Continued education will be provided through the issuance of warnings and citations. Solar powered ASL message boards and social media posts will be utilized to further educate drivers on the importance of utilizing their safety belts.
If FDOT approves our application, we will be awarded $70,000 for the education and enforcement efforts.
City Attorney Review:
Approved as to form and legal sufficiency.
Funding Source/Financial Impact:
The reimbursable overtime for FY 23/24 is funded in 001-21-110-521.14-20 (Special Services - Reimbursable Overtime) account.
Timing of Request:
In order to start grant activities on project schedule, it is important that grant application and award is approved in November 2023.