Escondido police issued 91 tickets on Monday in an operation that targeted various traffic violations that they say often can lead to crashes and unsafe road conditions, officials said.
The citywide effort targeted violations deemed to be “primary collision factors,” such as speeding, driving through red lights or talking on a cellphone. Also, eight drivers received tickets for not having a driver’s license, and another two were driving with a suspended driver’s license.
“Reducing crashes and ensuring a safe travel experience for everyone is a high priority for the Escondido Police Department,” Police Chief Ken Plunkett said. “We urge all motorists to drive with care on every trip.”
The operation went from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m. and was carried out by six officers who were exclusively assigned to the detail for the day, said Lt. Craig Miller. A total of 94 motorists were contacted, but three were let off with warnings.
Miller said the operation is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Escondido police were awarded $462,000 in grant money this year to fund the primary collision factor operation, to staff DUI checkpoints throughout the year and to pay for a DUI officer who does exclusive DUI enforcement.
“This is in line with our city council who came up with priorities for the year, and behind homelessness, traffic safety was one of the most important objectives,” Miller said. “We believe that the more enforcement and education we do through these types of details will reduce crashes.”
The Department is planning to do a similar operation on Sept. 21.