As the holiday season gears up, so does the enforcement of traffic laws in El Paso. The El Paso Police Department (EPPD) is taking extra measures to ensure that the roads remain safe during a time that's notorious for accidents and impaired driving. According to the El Paso Police Department, there will be an increased presence of law enforcement over the coming two weeks, aiming to curb behaviors like drunk driving, speeding, and distracted driving.
The focus will be on reducing the types of driving that lead to serious crashes, a move catalyzed by the STEP grant. The statement obtained by the El Paso Police Department outlines the particular violations that officers will be targeting, which include, "Driving While Intoxicated (DWI), Speeding, Distracted driving, including cellphone use, Safety belt violations, Controlled intersection violations, such as red-light and stop-sign violations." It's a concerted effort that comes in response to traffic fatalities in the city reducing by 11% compared to last year.
EPPD's initiative is not simply about enforcement but also about collaboration with the community. The department encourages everyone to be vigilant and prioritize safe driving habits during the holiday festivities. In their statement, the El Paso Police Department asks for the community's cooperation, stressing that it's important for residents to, “look out for one another and make safe driving choices this holiday season.” It's a call for collective action toward a common goal: safety.
