LOS ANGELES (CNS) - Los Angeles has been awarded two traffic-safety grants totaling $385,000, city officials announced today.
The grant were awarded to the Los Angeles Housing + Community Investment Department's Bicycle, Pedestrian Safety and Child Passenger Safety Education Programs by the California's Office of Traffic Safety.
The Child Passenger Safety Program will receive $150,000 for six years to provide education and information on the proper selection and installation of child car safety seats. Part of the funds are invested in the purchase of car seats for distribution to income-eligible families who participate in the educational program through the FamilySource Centers, neighborhood councils and other community organizations.
For the fourth year, HCIDLA has received an OTS grant providing $235,000 for the Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Education and Information Program. Participants in the program receive free bicycle helmets and other safety materials. Participants are primarily children and senior citizens.
Seniors are trained to walk through their neighborhoods and record notes about sidewalk and street hazards to be shared with the city.
“At HCIDLA we welcome resources to further assist the families and seniors of Los Angeles,'' said Ann Sewill, general manager of the HCIDLA. “Through HCIDLA's Community Services and Development programs, the grants from OTS help amplify the need to provide comprehensive solutions, including through education workshops conveying the importance of child safety, and steps that parents can take to help save a child's life.''
This year's program schedule will be limited due to COVID-19 restrictions, information and educational workshops will be presented virtually and in small groups.
The funding will also be utilized to support local versions of the nationwide education campaign events and programs such as National Walk to School Day, Bicycle Safety Month, Pedestrian Safety Month, Safe Routes to Schools and Vision Zero.
Funding for the program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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