Phoenix — The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) has received $92,536.00 in federal funds, specifically to help with overtime expenses for troopers taking part in enhanced speed enforcement details statewide. The money will also be used for the purchase of 15 UltraLyte radar speed measuring instruments that will provide troopers with the tools necessary to help slow people down.
In 2016, the Department reported 106 speed-related fatalities, 481 speed-related injuries, and issued 122,413 citations for speed/aggressive driving.
The increased funding will also allow AZDPS to increase manpower directed at special speed enforcement details while maintaining sustained patrol duties.
The overall goal is to lower the number of speeding-related crashes by December 31, 2018, along with fatalities and injuries. The grant money will also enable troopers to concentrate their speed enforcement efforts by increasing the total number of distracted driver citations/warnings and to help educate the public on the dangers of distracted driving.
Assistant DPS Director Lt. Colonel Wayde Webb said, “Statewide enhanced enforcement and purchasing key equipment is key in reducing fatal collisions. We are grateful for our long-standing partnership with GOHS Director Alberto Gutier and his commitment to highway safety.”