Grant Awarded to RUHS Public Health to Support Traffic Safety Programs in Riverside County
Friday, March 13, 2026
RIVERSIDE, CA (March 13, 2026) – Riverside University Health System – Public Health (RUHS-PH) was awarded $969,500 in traffic safety grants by the California Office of Traffic Safety to support programs aimed at reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities in Riverside County.
“We are doing more than just educating our communities; we are indirectly saving the lives of both drivers and pedestrians,” said Kim Saruwatari, RUHS - PH Director. “These grants will allow us to promote safe practices and provide equitable safety solutions for Riverside County residents of all ages.”
The grants will be used for four programs that aim to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities caused by impaired or distracted driving, improperly installed car seats and newer drivers. The programs include:
$352,500 for the Child Passenger Safety Program, which offers community outreach events, education classes and training on the installation and use of child safety seats. The program aims to reduce the number of crashes that kill or injure children under 8 years of age. Additionally, the program will offer outreach events for older drivers.
$140,000 for the College Communities Against Drunk, Drugged, and Distracted Driving Program, which collaborates with local colleges on prevention education and resources to reduce the number of residents killed or injured due to alcohol, drug impaired and distracted driving.
$207,000 for the Be Wiser Teen Impaired/Distracted Driving and Speeding/Occupant Safety Program, which provides education and resources in high schools and middle schools to address occupant safety, unsafe speed, impaired and distracted driving.
$270,000 for the Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety Program, which promotes best practice strategies to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities involving pedestrians and bicyclists. Funded strategies may include classroom education, bicycle rodeos, community events, presentations, and workshops.
These grants are funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Funding will support these programs through September 2026. To learn more about RUHS-PH injury-prevention programs, please click here.
