Extra patrols aim to reduce fatalities caused by speed, drunkenness

YOUNGSTOWN

The city police department announced recently it has received a grant of more than $36,000 to help pay for overtime for officers to work traffic details aimed at reducing fatal crashes.

Chief Rod Foley said in a news release the city has had 23 fatal accidents since 2011 that were caused by either speed or drunken driving. He said the department will be working several extra patrols on major roadways in conjunction with the Ohio State Highway Patrol to help reduce those factors.

The federal funds pass through the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Office of Criminal Justice Services and are to be used to focus on traffic safety areas.

The funds will pay for extra traffic patrols up to September 2014.