142 Drivers Cited In 1-Day Traffic Crackdown In HMB, Nearby

SAN MATEO COUNTY, CA — More than 140 motorists were cited for various infractions Tuesday during a law-enforcement "Saturation Traffic Enforcement Program" conducted in San Mateo County, with a focus on "trouble spots" and the communities of Half Moon Bay and Pacifica, according to authorities. Running stop signs was the leading ticketing offense.

Seventeen officers from regional law-enforcement agencies worked the S.T.E.P. operation, the seventh such collaborative effort so far this year, aimed at boosting traffic safety, the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office said.

More than 150 drivers were stopped and 142 citation were issued, officials said.

Citations issued were as follows:

• 17 for unsafe speed
• 30 for talking on the cell phone while driving
• 34 for texting while driving
• 1 for a pedestrian safety violation
• 6 for red-light violations
• 6 for seat-belt violations
• 40 for failing to stop for a stop sign
• 5 for unsafe turning movements
• 2 for miscellaneous violations
• 1 for driving without a license

"The participating officers remained committed to making a high volume of traffic stops in this
coordinated saturation, while maintaining the highest levels of community awareness and
professionalism," the agency said. "The number of stops and citations during this most recent deployment reflect a sustained enthusiasm for this program and traffic safety on the Peninsula."

Additional such operation are planned throughout the year, the San Mateo County Police
Chiefs and Sheriff Association added.

Participating police departments for this S.T.E.P operation included Atherton, Belmont,
Colma, Brisbane, Burlingame, Daly City, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Hillsborough, Menlo Park, Pacifica, Redwood City, San Bruno, San Mateo and South San Francisco, along with the California Highway Patrol, the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office and San Mateo County Public Safety Communications.

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