A program to prevent impaired driving and reduce alcohol and drug-impaired traffic fatalities and injuries Is getting funding through the Fresno County DA’s Office.
In 2013 there were 36 deaths and 273 serious injuries as a result of DUI crashes in the County.
The $717,150 grant to the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office will fund a Vertical Prosecution team that will work cases from initial arrest through the sentencing.
“Overall, California’s roadways are among the safest in the nation, but to meet future mobility, safety, and accessible transportation objectives, we have to work very hard together to reach our common goal – zero deaths on our roadways.” – Rhonda Craft, OTS Director.
Those arrested for DUI in Fresno County, especially repeat offenders and those involved in fatal or injury crashes, can expect to face highly trained, specialized prosecutors, thanks to a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety.
Funding from this DUI Prosecution Grant will aid the DA’s Office in handling cases throughout each step of the criminal process, prosecuting both alcohol and drug-impaired driving cases.
In fatal and major injury DUI vehicle collisions, members of the team may respond to the crash scene to be part of the investigation.
Prosecution team members will work with the State’s Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor Program to expand knowledge and resources in the office by obtaining and delivering specialized training, including training in the emerging problem of drug-impaired driving.
Team members will share information with peers and law enforcement personnel throughout the county and across the state.
The Office of Traffic Safety and the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office want to work with everyone to create a culture of traffic safety across Fresno County and the state.” – Rhonda Craft, OTS Director.
Funding for the program comes from a grant by the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
