PSPD cracking down on road safety with over 200 citations, warnings given

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) -- "Talladega Nights," a special enforcement operation targeting unsafe driving in Palm Springs, is cracking down on drivers.

As of Wednesday evening, the operation had served 234 citations, 2 custodial arrests and 2 misdemeanor cites, according to Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills.

"We have a lot of accidents, involving drunk drivers, speeding and just simple people not abiding by the traffic laws of the city," Special Enforcement Detective Kyle Wilson said.

Chief Mills announced the enforcement period earlier this week via social media, "Sometime in the next week, PSPD will have a massive dragnet to stop and ticket as many speeders, light runners and stop sign rollers as possible. A maximum deployment including all command staff. You’ve been warned."

Det. Wilson says the erratic driving comes from a combination of factors, including tourism and locals getting too comfortable. According to the department, nearly 60% of those ticketed are locals.

Comments under Chief Mills post also indicated driving conditions were a concern for locals.

For Charlie Rosenberg, the enforcement is much needed.

"So you'll have people going 30 in a 50 mile per hour zone, but you'll also have people going 65 to 75 in a 50, you know, whizzing around and just no enforcement anywhere," Rosenberg said.

The local survived a car accident last year, and says it's been tough getting back on the road.

"The freeway combined with Ramon Road is a nightmare. By the time I've gotten here, I’m just shaking because it's just people whizzing through lights, just driving recklessly," Rosenberg said.

Palm Springs Police say they plan to periodically conduct similar operations each week. Stick with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage on these traffic operations.