EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The El Paso Police Department will increase traffic patrols and enforcement over the next two weeks, the department said.

This stepped-up enforcement includes Christmas week and New Year’s.

The increased enforcement is being funded through the federal Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) grant, El Paso Police said.

During this enforcement period, officers will focus on reducing dangerous driving behaviors that contribute to serious and fatal crashes, El Paso Police said.

Enforcement efforts will specifically target:  DWI, speeding, distracted driving including cell phone use, safety belt violations, and controlled intersection violations like running red lights or stop signs.

Traffic fatalities in El Paso city-wide are down 11% year-to-date compared to the same time last year, El Paso Police said.

EPPD hopes to continue this positive trend and is asking for the community’s cooperation to help close out the year with further reductions in serious injury and fatal traffic collisions.

The El Paso Police Department encourages residents to look out for one another and make safe driving choices this holiday season.

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