Fresno’s notoriously bad drivers had better stop speeding, driving while under the influence, and texting while behind the wheel.

Not to mention no longer blowing through stop signs and red lights.

The Fresno Police Department announced Tuesday that it has received a $500,000 grant to increase traffic patrols and conduct traffic safety programs through September 2023.

“This grant funding allows us to support our ongoing traffic safety efforts in the community,” said Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama in a news release. “Our intent is to stop the most unlawful and dangerous behaviors that put people at risk and create an environment where everyone feels safe traveling.”

How PD Will Utilize the Grant

The grant will fund:

• DUI checkpoints and patrols focused on stopping suspected impaired drivers.
• High visibility distracted driving enforcement operations targeting drivers in violation of California’s hands-free cell phone law.
• Enforcement operations focused on the most dangerous driver behaviors that put the safety of people biking or walking at risk.
• Enforcement operations focused on top violations that cause crashes: speeding, failure to yield, stop sign and red-light running, and improper lane changes.
• Motorcycle safety enforcement.
• Officer training and/or recertification for field sobriety tests, advanced roadside impaired driving enforcement, and drug recognition expertise.

Funding is from a federal grant administered by the California Office of Traffic Safety.

Seventh-Worst Drivers in the Nation

Earlier this year, the website QuoteWizard ranked Fresno drivers as seventh-worst in the nation based on collisions, DUIs, speeding, and traffic citations.