CDOT grant aims to help reduce traffic deaths

The Colorado Department of Transportation plans to divvy up a grant among different agencies to help reduce the number of traffic fatalities.

CDOT said after six years of a steady decline, the number of traffic deaths increased in 2012. The top three reasons were alcohol, driving too fast and not wearing a seatbelt.

Now, CDOT will distribute a grant of $3.5 million among Colorado agencies that contribute to traffic safety, like police and fire departments. The goal is to increase enforcement and education. CDOT said agencies might use it to increase highway patrols, or to remind drivers to buckle up, watch out for pedestrians and slow down.

Agencies can start applying to get a share of the grant starting Monday. CDOT will decide who gets how much in early April.