(The Center Square) – Yuma County has received $23,050 from taxpayers in hopes of reducing speed-related accidents.

The grant money, awarded by the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, will be used for new radar equipment used to monitor vehicle speeds, according to a news release.

“Yuma County has experienced an increase in speeding and crashes where speed is a contributing factor. This new radar unit will improve the ability of sheriff's deputies to conduct additional traffic enforcement to make Yuma County roads safer,” the sheriff's department said in a statement.

“The Yuma County Sheriff's Office looks forward to working with the Governor's Office of Highway Safety to make Yuma County a safer place.” release Added.

According to the agency's website, the agency plans to periodically award grants to state and local agencies and nonprofit organizations. The funds will support the agency's overall mission of supporting ways to increase public knowledge and resources about “highway safety.”

The Arizona Department of Transportation was awarded a $72,000 annual grant in May for its “accident records” division. news release.

The funding for these groups comes as accidents appear to be occurring more frequently in Arizona. point, In 2022, 1,294 people died in accidents on Grand Canyon State roads, up from the previous year.