Zero Tolerance Traffic Enforcement Runs Through Labor Day

By Mark Beckett/ Interim Police Chief

"Feels Like" Temps

As spring heads toward summer and temperatures start rising, the Steamboat Springs Police Department (SSPD) will be turning up the heat on traffic enforcement with a zero-tolerance campaign.

For some reason, many folks believe that the stop signs with white trim are optional. We’ve seen driving behaviors in our mountain town take a severe turn with flagrant disregard by some drivers. During this program, our goal is to bring awareness to the dangers of speeding, red light running, and generally poor driving.

According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, Memorial Day marks the start of the 100 deadliest days of summer, a period between Memorial Day and Labor Day that sees a spike in impaired driving.

To help plan for the busy summer, here are some tips for staying safe on the road:

• Plan ahead. Have a designated sober driver

• Seat belts. Always buckle up when in a vehicle

• Drop the distraction. Set your phone on Do Not Disturb mode

• Buzzed driving is drunk driving. If you feel different, you drive different

• Use a rideshare service, a taxi or Steamboat Springs Transit to avoid driving impaired

The reason I write this article is because, sadly, my cousin died mountain biking on May 9th in southern California in Palm Desert after suffering from a heat stroke. He was an avid rider and enjoyed it to the fullest. That fateful day he had gone out early to avoid the afternoon sun on designated trails around the area. Unfortunately, he and a friend got lost out there. A three hour tour turned into a six hour ride in the blazing heat. The scary part is that they ran out of water. Can you image the panic being in this position? He collapsed unconscious on the side of the trail with his friend calling for rescue. The heat was well over 100 degrees and the humidity is unknown. He was rescued and lived for twelve more days in the hospital. His friend made it out safely. My cousin suffered dearly. He was intubated and all of his organs failed; liver, kidneys and even his eyes.

He visited Steamboat Springs quite a bit to ski and to ride our beautiful trails. I always looked forward to his visits. He was a great person, funny, smart and fun to be with. He was 53, married with three children. Our whole family is crushed by the news. So please, take extra caution because you never know what can be thrown your way.

RIP Paul.

In the first four months of 2023, officers have issued 290 tickets and 217 warnings for traffic violations, responded to 199 non-injury accidents and 3 collisions with injuries. 32 arrests for driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs were also made during early 2023.

Starting Memorial Day Holiday weekend and running the entire summer through Labor Day, Operation Rush Hour will involve police officers and vehicles (marked and unmarked) dedicated to zero tolerance enforcement in hot spots across the city.

These officers will be targeting aggressive driving, speeding, not stopping at stop signs, running red lights, and other unsafe behaviors.

Everyone should drive safely every time they get behind the wheel. We shouldn’t have to warn folks that we’re taking a hard line on enforcement but consider yourself forewarned. If you’re pulled over for a traffic offense, you’ll be driving away with a ticket.

During the campaign, SSPD will also be working to educate the community about the importance of safe driving habits including wearing seat belts, not drinking & driving, and avoiding distracted driving.

Driving at night increases the likelihood and severity of crashes. The risk of being in a fatal crash is highest for teens between 9 pm and 6 am. When it gets dark, motorists have a harder time seeing pedestrians and bicyclists. Whether you’re traveling by car, bike or on foot, follow the rules of the road so that everyone makes it home safely.

Help motorists - wear reflective gear, and avoid dark clothing, use caution in crosswalks and do not dart across streets/alleys, eliminate distractions such as earbuds, texting, and cellphones, and assume you can’t be seen by others.

In addition, bikers should use front and back lights, don reflective gear and always wear a helmet. A new law in Steamboat Springs, makes it mandatory for all bikers and passenger 15 and under to wear a helmet. If traveling the Core Trail, ride with caution and follow the 15 mile per hour speed limit.

Remember, the speed limit in the city, unless otherwise posted, is 25 miles per hour. School and Work Zones will have slower speeds during operations. When traveling through these zones, keep an eye out for kids and construction workers and always expect the unexpected.

We need your help in changing driving habits. If we all slow down, drive safely and allow extra time to reach our destination, we can help change the next 100 days and make our roads around Colorado and Steamboat Springs safer.