Forsyth Police receive $23,000 grant to boost traffic enforcement and safety

The grant will fund training, enforcement and public education efforts to reduce crashes and improve road safety in Forsyth.

FORSYTH, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT) – The Forsyth Police Department has received a $23,000 traffic enforcement grant from the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety to promote safe driving and reduce crashes.

Lieutenant Kimberly Barnett says the grant supports several initiatives, including increased enforcement against impaired or distracted driving, promoting seat belt use and funding equipment and training to support traffic safety goals. She says the grant will open even more opportunities for their officers.

“This allows our officers the opportunity to collaborate with other agencies in our network,” she said. “They participate in monthly training as well as different safety events that are held throughout our city and other cities in our network.”

Barnett says her officers’ focus on traffic safety has already helped Forsyth see fewer crashes.

“We have experienced an 8% reduction in traffic crashes within our city, as well as a 47% reduction in injuries involved in those crashes,” she added. “The state of Georgia has had a 15% reduction in traffic crashes throughout the state, and that’s the whole point of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety—to reduce crashes and save lives.”

Lieutenant David Asbell says this traffic grant will not only benefit the officers but also serve as a reminder of safety practices.

“The grant itself gives training to the officers, reminding them of distracted drivers, and sharpens their skills with impaired driving, so hopefully they can reduce those numbers,” Asbell said.

Lieutenant Asbell also wants the public to know officers will be out during the holiday season.

“Most of all, wear your seatbelt!” Asbell said. “Put the phone down, don’t drive with it in your hand, don’t be distracted by it. And the other thing is—it’s not a race to get to grandmother’s. Everyone’s in such a hurry. We see so many accidents just because people get frustrated and aggravated and become aggressive when driving. Slow down, it’s the holiday season. What we want you to do is make it home or to your family safe and without incident.”

Forsyth PD will host a Funday on November 8 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring demonstrations by various organizations, car safety education and a simulation showing what happens when drivers fail to practice safe habits.