We’ve often asked our listeners and social media followers this question: What seems to be getting worse in Cochise County? The most common answer almost always relates to the poor driving habits of our fellow citizens.

Our fellow drivers are not the only ones who’ve noticed that we need a little refresher on the rules of the road. Cochise County law enforcement officials have launched a campaign to remind us of speed limits, road etiquette, and more.

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Photo by Scott Rodgerson on Unsplash
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Slow Down—They’re Paying Attention

The time has come. If you navigate the roads of Sierra Vista, it’s a good time to check your driving habits. According to a press release from the City of Sierra Vista, local police have teamed up with agencies across Cochise County and are right now stepping up traffic enforcement. They’re not just watching us; they’re actively pulling people over.

This effort is being rolled out in several phases. During their first phase, officers focused on some of our common, risky driving behaviors. They ticketed drivers for speeding, running red lights, rolling through stop signs, and aggressive driving.

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Aggressive driving in Sierra Vista
Photo courtesy Sierra Vista Police Department
Aggressive driving in Sierra Vista

What This Means For You

Over the course of eight hours, officers made 77 traffic stops and handed out at least 22 citations.

They were sending a signal: our bad driving habits are getting a lot of attention. Most of the traffic stops were for speeding and failure to yield. We might not think twice about these things, but they are the exact behaviors that can lead to traffic collisions, which is why officers are focusing on them right now.

It’s not just the Sierra Vista Police Department handing out citations. They’ve partnered with the Cochise County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies. This joint task force is working together in areas that need extra attention.

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Careful what you say to police in Arizona
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Careful what you say to police in Arizona

Safe Driving is the Way to Go

The SVPD says that this isn’t about writing tickets. It’s about preventing accidents before they happen.

As SVPD Public Information Officer Corporal Jené Seage put it, “We’re excited to pitch in and pool our resources together…to help curb dangerous driving behavior and make our communities safer.”

As you drive down Buffalo Soldier Trail, Fry Boulevard, or Highway 92, remember to drive carefully. Pause, slow down, and pay attention. If you’re ever tempted to speed through a light or tailgate, remember: law enforcement is watching, and it’s just not worth the risk.

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