TO: Mayor and Commissioners
FROM: Mary Olsen, Police Department
THROUGH: Mark R. Lauzier, City Manager
DATE: October 16, 2018
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 18/19 Occupant Protection/Child Passenger Safety program.
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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 18/19 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 2017, there were 3,813 crashes recorded in the City of Delray Beach which consisted of 3 traffic fatalities. In 2017, according to FDOT the user rate for seat belts in the State of Florida was 90.2%. In Palm Beach County, the user rate was 90.5%. According to the FDOT's Highway Safety Matrix, in 2017, Delray Beach ranked 8th out of 96 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 2017, 40,100 people died from motor vehicle crashes according to National Safety Council report on traffic fatalities.
In 2017, the Delray Beach Police Department wrote 410 safety belt violations and 27 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, we will be awarded $10,000 for the education and enforcement efforts, however we are seeking approval to accept award up to requested amount of $50,000. The activities under this grant, if awarded, will start in fiscal year 18/19.
City Attorney Review:
Approved as to form and legal sufficiency.
Funding Source/Financial Impact:
001-21-110-521.14-20 (General Fund: Reimbursable overtime) contingent upon approval of FY 18/19 budget and appropriations of funds.