Police in Clearcreek Twp. said they will be stepping up patrols to target unsafe and impaired driving thanks to a federal grant administered by the Office of Criminal Justice Services.

The township will receive $27,402.70 and that money will help fund increased patrols for the next 12 months, Clearcreek Twp. officials announced Friday.

Police said the goal is to decrease traffic fatalities, alcohol related traffic crashes, and motorcycle related crashes. Clearcreek Township also hopes to see an increase in seat belt and child safety restraint usage, the release said.

“Partnerships are critical to the success of any safety effort and we are committed to working with our state and federal traffic safety partners to address traffic safety concerns in Clearcreek Township,” said Clearcreek Township Chief John Terrill.

Ohio State Routes 73, 741, 122, and 48 all run through Clearcreek Township. According to Ohio State Highway Patrol data there have been eight fatal crashes in the township since 2010.