Grant to help Boardman cops target violators of traffic laws

Staff report

BOARDMAN

The township police chief announced the department is receiving $42,323 in federal traffic-safety funding from the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

“These federal funds are essential in ensuring that we are doing everything we possibly can to keep our township safe,” said Chief Jack Nichols in a news release this week.

“Based on crash data, we will be targeting violators for aggressive driving offenses such as speed, distracted driving, impaired driving, and seat-belt usage,” he added. “During the warm- weather seasons, motorcycle crash reduction will also be a point of emphasis.”

Crash data shows 126 alcohol-related crashes caused 83 injuries and three fatalities in Boardman from 2009 to 2011. Four other traffic fatalities occurred in that same time period.

Township police will conduct high-visibility enforcement, work overtime hours and have educational and awareness events by participating in the “Click It or Ticket” and the “Driver Sober or Get Pulled Over,” according to a news release.

These funds are distributed through the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Office of Criminal Justice Services from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Competitive grant proposals are accepted and reviewed by OCJS, with funds awarded to projects that will have the greatest impact on reducing fatal crashes or improving traffic safety systems, the news release stated.