Vehicles: distracted driving awareness grant.

Existing law provides for a California Traffic Safety Program in state government consisting of specified components to improve driver, bicyclist, and pedestrian performance. The California Traffic Safety Program, upon a delegation of authority by the Governor, is administered by a highway safety representative, who serves in the Transportation Agency, and includes state and local programs, as specified. This bill would, upon appropriation by the Legislature, require the Office of Traffic Safety to administer a grant program to combat distracted driving. The bill would require that grants be awarded to qualifying law enforcement agencies, such as the Department of the California Highway Patrol. The bill would require that grant funds be used to increase public awareness of the dangers of distracted driving.