CA: More.. funding - CHP riding high on results of Five Alive'

OFF THE WIRE
http://www.record-bee.com/ci_19093556
KELSEYVILLE -- The California Highway Patrol's Clear Lake Area office is wrapping up the yearlong "Five Alive" grant-funded enforcement program. The goal of the "Five Alive" program was to reduce the number of people killed and injured in alcohol-and-motorcycle-involved collisions on local highways.
"We're encouraged by the preliminary figures which show a considerable decrease in the number of collisions and people injured or killed as a result of DUI crashes, as well as motorcycle-involved collisions," said CHP Lt. Greg Baarts, commander of the Clear Lake Area office.
To accomplish the goals set for the "Five Alive" grant, CHP's Clear Lake Area office conducted enhanced enforcement efforts that were directed at impaired drivers and at assuring the safety of motorcyclists throughout the region. The enforcement effort was in addition to aggressive public education and awareness programs about the dangers of impaired driving.
These grant-funded enforcement programs included: 252 individual DUI saturation patrols; four motorcycle safety operations conducted during motorcycle rallies; and eight DUI motorcycle enforcement task force operations. The enforcement operations were conducted in conjunction with other local law enforcement agencies, warrant service operations targeting drivers with multiple DUI offenses and CHP Air Operations.
Lake County provides a primary thoroughfare linking Interstate 5 and U.S. 101 via state routes 20, 29, and 53.
These scenic and winding roadways are favored by thousands of motorcyclists, often while riding in special motorcycle-related events. Alcohol is also commonly served at these events, which compounds the problem. Some of the visitors to nearby wineries also drive while impaired through Lake County. "Remember, when you're on a ride, please stay alert, ride the speed limit, and ride sober. And don't forget to wear the proper protective gear," added Lt. Baarts. "If you're in a car, watch for motorcycles and share the road."
Funding for this program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.