70+ Citations Given To Aggressive Drivers In Watsonville

WATSONVILLE, CA — More than 70 citations were given to Watsonville drivers as part of a traffic enforcement program with the county. 'Before Aggressive Drivers Get Everyone Stopped' or 'BADGES' is meant to improve safety on the roadways, police said.

Officers from California Highway Patrol, Scotts Valley, Capitola, Santa Cruz and Watsonville were involved in the program.

They gave drivers citations for speeding, distracted driving, running red lights and stop signs and not stopping for pedestrians.

"It's important not only because it serves a huge purpose for the safety of the community but us getting together and helping the other agencies because we all have different issues and we're able to help alleviate some of those issues in a collaborative effort," Sergeant Donny Thul said.

There has been an increase in speeding, red-light violations and pedestrian violations as well as cell phone use, police said.

"We can't solve these issues by ourselves. We can't ticket our way out of these problems," Thul said. "It's up to our community. We ask that people please have enough time to get where you're going if you need to leave earlier. Please put your phones down. Please drive safely and arrive alive."