News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Fairfield Glade Police Department will increase roadway enforcement and safety education thanks to a federal grant.
The $20,000 grant will be used for new radar equipment and educational services for senior drivers. Lieutenant Katelyn Self said federal funding like this is crucial to creating safe roadways.
“We are technically not a government entity, which does not provide us with grant opportunities, cause we do not qualify as a government entity,” Self said. “So, this is a special grant that we are able to receive from NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) and through the state. It is one of the few grants we are able to qualify for.”
Self said officers will use the radar equipment to gather data where speeding is common. Then, patrols for the area will increase to enforce safe driving practices.
“From previous grant expenditures and this future one, we have been able to purchase modern day and new radar equipment, and also, a few devices to track driver’s speeds in certain locations,” Self said. “So that way we can know where our hot spots are.”
Self said the grant will also help fund the department’s annual Carfit event to educate seniors their vehicle. American Association of Retired Persons driving courses will also be available.
“Our campaign is geared towards senior safety due to our demographics for our jurisdiction,” Self said. “Primarily, we deal with 55 and older drivers, and that is an increasing rate of senior drivers especially in our county.”
