Yavapai News

SEDONA, Ariz. - The Sedona Police Department has recently taken steps to enhance safety on the roads with the help of a grant from the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. The grant, totaling $2,400, has allowed the department to launch a targeted traffic enforcement effort.

The main focus of the grant is to tackle two critical issues on the roads: driving under the influence (DUI) and speeding. These two factors contribute significantly to traffic crash fatalities, making it crucial for law enforcement agencies to address them effectively.

In the United States, approximately one-third of all traffic crash fatalities involve drunk drivers. Arizona, unfortunately, has not been exempt from this alarming statistic. In 2022 alone, 202 people lost their lives in DUI-related crashes in the state. Sedona, too, has experienced its fair share of DUI incidents, with the Police Department making 53 DUI arrests in the same year.

Furthermore, speeding has also proven to be a significant threat to road safety. Arizona witnessed a staggering 426 speed-related fatalities in 2022, along with over 20,000 injuries resulting from speed-related accidents. These numbers highlight the urgent need for measures to curb speeding and promote responsible driving habits.

Thanks to the grant, the Sedona Police Department can now allocate additional resources and manpower to enforce DUI programming and the selective traffic enforcement program (STEP). By doing so, they aim to deter drunk driving and promote compliance with traffic regulations.

Chief of Police, John Smith, expressed his gratitude for the grant, emphasizing its impact on the community's safety. "This grant has allowed us to intensify our efforts in combating DUI incidents and reducing speeding-related accidents," said Chief Smith. "We are committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors in Sedona."

The Sedona Police Department encourages the public to stay informed about its mission of selfless service for all. For more information, individuals can visit the department's website at www.sedonaaz.gov/pd.

To learn more about the Arizona Governor’s Office of Highway Safety and their initiatives to improve road safety across the state, visit their website at https://gohs.az.gov/.

The Sedona Police Department's proactive approach, supported by the grant, is a testament to their commitment to creating a safer environment for everyone on the roads. By targeting DUI and speeding, they are taking vital steps towards reducing traffic fatalities and promoting responsible driving habits in the community.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.sedonaaz.gov/Home/Components/News/News/6069/473