From
Fred Bates, Jr.
Title
Resolution authorizing the City Manager to apply for and accept a grant from the Texas Department of Transportation to fund additional DWI enforcement during the Christmas, New Year, Spring Break, Independence Day and Labor Day holiday periods in the amount of $8,000.
Presenter
Chief Steve Dye, Police Department
Recommended Action
Approve
Analysis
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration studies show that nearly 97 percent of Americans view drinking and driving by others as a threat to their families and themselves. Indeed, Americans support tougher DWI enforcement and rank drunk driving ahead of healthcare, poverty, the environment and gun control as an important social issue. The majority of Americans support increased enforcement efforts.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation, in 2013 there were 11,210 alcohol-related crashes in Texas that resulted in 1,089 deaths and 15,687 injuries. In 2013, 25 percent of people killed in alcohol-related crashes in Texas were between the ages of 20 and 25, though that age group represents only 9 percent of the overall State population. More alcohol-related crashes continue to occur between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. than any other hour of the day. Finally, more alcohol-related crashes continue to occur on Saturday than any other day of the week. In both cases, deaths attributed to alcohol related crashes were disproportionately higher during these periods.
This grant opportunity will benefit the citizens of Grand Prairie as the Police Department continues its mission of maintaining a safe environment on the City’s roadways during these peak periods of alcohol related crashes.
The Public Safety, Health and Environmental Committee reviewed this item on December 3, 2014 and the Finance and Government reviewed this item on December 9, 2014, both recommending it be forwarded to the City Council.
Financial Consideration
The grant period begins December 1, 2014...
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