Office of Traffic Safety Awards $461,000 in Grants to the Riverside Police Department

Published: 10/13/2026

Office of Traffic Safety Awards $461,000 in Grants to the Riverside Police Department for Speeding and Reckless Driving, Child Safety Seat Education, and the "Ride to Live" Motorcycle Training Program

RIVERSIDE, CA - The Riverside Police Department announced today that it has received three grants totaling $461,000 from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS). These grants will fund important programs focused on enforcement and education to help reduce the number of serious injuries and fatalities on our roads. The grant programs run through September 2027.

"We are grateful for this continued investment in traffic safety and for the opportunity to expand our efforts to protect everyone who uses Riverside's roads," said Sergeant Dan Macias. "These grants allow us to combine enforcement, education, and community outreach to address some of the most important traffic safety issues facing our community. From preventing impaired and dangerous driving to promoting motorcycle safety and helping families properly protect their youngest passengers, these programs play an important role in reducing crashes, preventing injuries, and saving lives.

" The department received $412,000 to strengthen its traffic enforcement and education efforts aimed at reducing dangerous driving behaviors and preventing crashes. These funds will support DUI checkpoints, distracted driving patrols, enforcement of speed and traffic signal violations, community safety presentations, and officer training programs.

In addition, $24,000 has been awarded to support the Ride to Live motorcycle safety program. This initiative offers free, hands-on motorcycle rider training classes led by law enforcement officers. The classes allow riders to practice braking, turning, steering, entering traffic, and other skills that help avoid crashes and improve rider safety.

Finally, the department received $25,000 to expand its Child Safety Seat Education Program. This funding will enable Riverside PD to provide child safety seat check-up events, education classes, technician training, and distribution of free child safety seats to families in need.

Changes to California's child passenger safety law will take effect January 1, 2027. Under current California law, children under age eight must be properly secured in an appropriate car seat or booster seat in the back seat, unless they are at least 4 feet 9 inches tall. Beginning January 1, 2027, Assembly Bill 435 (AB 435) will incorporate the 5-Step Test to help determine whether children can be properly restrained by a vehicle seat belt.

"Traffic safety begins with everyday decisions," OTS Director Stephanie Dougherty said. "When we address the risky driving behaviors that put everyone on the road in danger, including speeding, distraction, and impairment, we can prevent crashes and save lives. By supporting enforcement efforts and educating communities, we're helping to build a safety culture where looking out for others and safe travel behaviors are the norm."

Funding for these programs was provided by grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.