The Nacogdoches Police Department recently completed a lengthy traffic enforcement period, involving several traffic related enforcements. Over the course of the last three weeks, NPD participated in STEP (Selective Traffic Enforcement Program), CIOT (Click It or Ticket), CARE (Crossing Accident Reduction Enforcement) with the Union Pacific Railroad and a DWI No Refusal Memorial Day weekend enforcement.
“We often participate in these traffic safety efforts throughout the year,” said Lt. Dan Taravella, program director, “but rarely all at the same time. We saturated the city with officers over the last three weeks in an effort to slow folks down and encourage seatbelt usage.”
NPD has participated in STEP and CIOT for the last 13 years and CARE for the last six years. Overtime for officer’s STEP enforcement is funded through state and federal funds.
Between STEP and CIOT, officers issued 91 citations for No Seatbelt, 13 citations for Unrestrained Child and 177 citations for Speeding.
“The state and local seatbelt usage rate is around 90% among motorists,” Taravella said. “We are grateful it is so high, but are trying to reach the 1 in 10 drivers who are still not buckling up.”
Officers also issued 25 citations for Disregarding Railroad Crossing Signals during an enforcement event two weeks ago, according to Taravella.
And during the most recent event, officers obtained search warrants on two suspected DWI drivers who refused to provide a blood or breath specimen.
The next STEP enforcement event will be in August and September for the Labor Day holidays.
