SHASTA COUNTY, Calif. — The Shasta County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) is looking to increase traffic safety efforts using a grant from the state.
The county was recently awarded over $270,000 from the California Office of Traffic Safety to go toward limiting motor vehicle-related deaths and injuries. The county plans to focus on reducing drug and alcohol-impaired driving among younger people.
HHSA representatives say in 2020, the county had close to 600 DUI arrests, with five of those arrested being juveniles. The following year, the county saw 135 car crashes with alcohol being involved, leading to 10 deaths. 23 of these cases included drivers under the age of 21.
We do know teens are more at risk because they don’t have the skills nor the time to be educated on driving, Shasta County HHSA Senior Public Health Assistant Anissa Dallen said.
Dallen added, By educating youth now of the dangers of impaired and distracted driving, as well as ways to avoid them, we are equipping them with the knowledge to prevent crashes and injuries both now and in their futures.
Dallen also says the funds will help inform the community through educational events and campaigns.
The Shasta County HHSA will bring these resources to sites like high school campuses, teen centers, driving schools, or juvenile hall.
Some of the grant money will also support a campaign that’s aimed at those from 21 to 34 years of age and advocates using a ride share service for DUI prevention.
The grant agreement is active now, and it will run through September 2024.
