Haverhill, Methuen, Groveland and other nearby police departments were among those awarded state road safety grants last week.
Haverhill Police received the largest area award of $64,963, followed by Lawrence, $61,375; Methuen, $48,760; Merrimac, $16,392; and Groveland, $15,360. The money is intended to help communities prevent crashes, strengthen traffic enforcement and improve safety for drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists.
“Preventing crashes requires a comprehensive approach that combines effective enforcement with strong training, reliable data and public education,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “These investments give our state and local partners proven tools to address traffic safety risks and help prevent the crashes that can devastate families and communities.”
Grants may be used for high-visibility traffic enforcement, which was called a proven approach that combines strategic and proactive efforts by police addressing specific traffic safety issues combined with public outreach and education, pedestrian and bicyclist safety initiatives, advanced police training, crash investigation tools and education for children, teen drivers and families.
In addition, the state Office of Grants and Research provided 86 state, local and nonprofit hospitals and organizations serving families and children with 2,833 car seats and booster seats to distribute to families in need. Organizations receiving seats through the Child Passenger Safety Education and Assistance Program must have a certified child passenger safety technician on staff who performs car seat checks.