TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Jeffrey S. Goldman, Police Department
THROUGH: Chief Neal de Jesus, Interim City Manager
DATE: February 21, 2017
Title
APPROVAL OF GRANT APPLICATION/FDOT/OCCUPANT PROTECTION/CHILD PASSENGER SAFETY
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Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Motion to Approve application for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) FY 17/18 Occupant Protection/Child Passenger Safety program. If awarded, the FDOT reserves the right to award any amount up to the requested total of $50,000.
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Background:
The Police Department is requesting approval to submit an application for the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) FY 17/18 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 2016, there were 3,803 crashes recorded in the City of Delray Beach which consisted of 12 traffic fatalities. Of those 12 fatalities, 2 victims were not wearing their safety belts at the time of the incidents. In 2016, according to FDOT the user rate for seat belts in the State of Florida was 89.6%. In Palm Beach County, the user rate was 91.5%. According to the FDOT's Highway Safety Matrix, in 2016 Delray Beach ranked 10th out of 99 cities in the county for cities with a population of 15,000-74,999 in regards to occupant protection (Usage of safety belts). Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of deaths in the U.S. In 2015, more than 35,000 people died from motor vehicle crashes compared to 32,000 in 2014. (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety)
In 2016, the Delray Beach Police Department wrote 677 safety belt violations and 38 child restraint citations. This 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. The Traffic Unit will also participate in community events to raise awareness and enforce safety belt and child restraint laws.
If FDOT approves our application, any amount up to requested $50,000 can be awarded to our agency for the education and enforcement efforts. The activities under this grant, if awarded, will start in fiscal year 17/18.
City Attorney Review:
Approved as to form and legal sufficiency.
Finance Department Review:
Finance recommends approval.
Funding Source:
During the budget process for FY 17/18, funding in 001-2111-521-14.20 (General Fund: Reimbursable overtime) account will be requested.
Timing of Request:
This item is time sensative as the application deadline is February 28th.