Don't Stop For a Red Light in Yakima Get Ready For a Ticket

Despite the weather challenges Yakima Police continue speed emphasis patrols to slow drivers and prevent fatal crashes. Officers are now required to make 4 stops every day and they're no longer issuing warnings for drivers who don't stop at red lights.

POLICE SAY THE BIGGEST PROBLEM IS DRIVERS RUNNING RED LIGHTS

During the week of February 19 through February 25 Officers made 701 traffic stops and issued 290 citations. A lot of drivers are still not stopping for red lights and they're causing crashes. During the week Officers investigated 32 collisions with 14 involving drivers who didn't stop for a red light.

DESPITE THE PATROLS DRIVERS ARE SPEEDING AND DRIVING DRUNK

During the week of February 12 through February 18 Officers investigated 26 collisions, 12 the result of a driver not stopping for a red light. Police are also searching for impaired drivers and over the last week Officers arrested 9 impaired drivers. 12 impaired drivers were arrested the week before.

POLICE ARE CONCERNED THE NUMBERS AREN'T CHANGING WEEK TO WEEK

Capt. Jay Seely says it's very concerning that the numbers aren't changing much from week to week despite the ongoing patrols. He says he decided to stop warning and start citing drivers who don't stop at red lights to try and send a message that drivers need to pay attention and slow down in Yakima.
All total this month Officers have made a total of 3,084 traffic stops and have issued 1,028 citations to drivers as the patrols continue next month.

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