Palm Springs hit-and-run inspires zero tolerance initiative for dangerous driving

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) - Palm Springs Police Department has officially launched "Operation Desert Zero." They say the initiative means zero tolerance for DUIs, speeding, and unsafe driving. They say their first operation is aggressive red light enforcement, which has already started. 

"If you get stopped for one of these primary collision factors, you're likely going to end up with a citation or leave with a written warning," says Captain Gustavo Araiza with Palm Springs Police Department.

Araiza says the catalyst for Operation Desert Zero was the fatal hit and run which resulted in the death of 56-year-old Ricardo Marano in January. The community came together for a vigil in Palm Springs last month.

"His kindness just emanated off of him and people could feel that vibe," says Gina Garcia, his neighbor and close friend. The community set up a memorial for him along East Vista Chino.

Palm Springs police shared the top locations for collisions, with the downtown area having 120 traffic collisions in 2023-2025, making it the highest ranking area in the city for traffic collisions. Here is a list of the top three locations for traffic collisions:

1. Between Tahquitz Canyon Way/Ramon Road and Farrell/El Cielo - 120 collisions between 2023-2025.
2. Between Gene Autry/Ramon Road and Vella Road/Lawrence Crossley - 103 collisions between 2023-2025.
3. Between Tahquitz Canyon Way/Ramon Road and S Farrell/El Cielo - 61 collisions between 2023-2025.