Indio Launches Drive Smart, Drive Safe Program to Reduce Traffic Accidents

Indio Launches Innovative Drive Smart, Drive Safe Program In response to rising traffic accidents and DUIs across the Coachella Valley, the Indio Police Department has introduced the Drive Smart, Drive Safe, Arrive Safe program. This four-step initiative aims to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities through education, enforcement, engineering, and equity. Chief Brian Tilley highlighted the program’s comprehensive approach, focusing heavily on education. "We didn’t want to just jump to enforcement. Instead, we’re teaching our community, including schools, about the dangers of speeding and impaired driving," said Tilley. First soft-launched in July, the program has already reduced traffic collisions by 14.7%. Efforts include traffic narrowing, roadway adjustments, and curved designs in new developments to slow drivers. The city also passed a resolution earlier this year to set speed limits across 129 street segments, backed by comprehensive studies. With a $32,000 grant from California’s Office of Traffic Safety, the department is funding a new electronic crash reporting system and improving citation processing. Additional measures aim to enhance safety for bicyclists and pedestrians. Chief Tilley emphasized the importance of cultural change, particularly during the holiday season, saying, "It’s about creating awareness for both residents and visitors about the seriousness of safe driving." For more on the initiative, visit NBCPalmSprings.com.