FRANKLIN — The St. Mary Parish Sheriff's Office has been awarded $20,000 to support traffic safety enforcement.

The grant, announced Tuesday, was awarded by the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission and is aimed at reducing dangerous driving behaviors to prevent crashes and improve safety.  

The grant period runs from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, 2027. 

The partnership with LHSC will focus on promoting safer roadways by addressing unsafe behaviors, including impaired drivers, speeding, distracted driving and other hazards. 

“This grant allows us to fund additional resources focused on keeping our roadways safer,” Sheriff Gary Driskell said in a prepared statement. “Our goal is not to simply enforce the traffic laws, but more importantly, prevent crashes, reduce injuries and ultimately save lives. We appreciate the Louisiana Highway Safety Commission’s investment into the safety of our citizens.”