In El Paso County this past weekend, a determined band of deputies conducted a traffic surge operation with one mission at hand: to put the brakes on driving violations, ranging from speeding to impaired operation of vehicles. The El Paso County Sheriff's Office Traffic Unit's crackdown on these violations was not only significant in scope but also strategic in preventing a potential street racing event, as reported by the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office.
With over 40 traffic stops made, the deputies kept themselves busy issuing 23 citations for offenses like excessive speeding and owning expired tags. They clamped down on a DUI as well. This direct approach also included preemptive policing, as the Traffic Unit received a tip about an impending street racing operation. Their very presence in the expected vicinity put a damper on the racers' plans, effectively preventing the illegal activity before it could take off.
The operation wasn’t just a high-speed chase against the reckless, they also enforced the "Move Over Law." Colorado law mandates that drivers must vacate at least one lane when they come across a stationary vehicle sporting hazard lights or, if that's not safe or feasible, to decelerate to a safer speed. It's a mandate to keep roadside workers and stranded motorists out of harm’s way. Ignorance or defiance of this requirement can result in serious penalties: a class 2 misdemeanor traffic offense is no slap on the wrist.
The sheriff himself, Joseph Roybal, expressed his pride in his traffic unit's efforts. "Making the roads safer for everyone has been a focus for my Office, and our Traffic Unit is at the heart of this mission," Roybal stated, as per the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, effectively drawing a line in the sand. "Drivers in El Paso County should know- if they choose to get behind the wheel and use excessive speed, drive while impaired, or break traffic laws, my deputies will pull you over and hold you accountable," he continued, his words were a clear warning to all.
According to the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, ensuring the safety of the roads is paramount for the nearly three-quarters million citizens of El Paso County. They deserve to travel without the fear of the reckless and negligent. Roybal's message is clear: the Traffic Unit has its pedal to the metal when it comes to enforcing the law and keeping the roads safe.
