129 Tickets in 1 Day in Peninsula Traffic Crackdown

MENLO PARK, CA – Law enforcement officers from across the Peninsula helped in a special traffic safety operation Wednesday, issuing a total of 129 citations in the day.

According to Burlingame Police Cpl. Mike Martyn, the Saturation Traffic Enforcement Program, or STEP, operation was focused in the cities of Menlo Park and East Palo Alto. Seventeen traffic officers participated.

"This was the 10th deployment in 2016 of a collaborative effort to increase traffic safety and awareness in known trouble spots throughout San Mateo County," Martyn said in a news release. "This STEP deployment placed a heightened focus on the education and awareness of Distracted Driving."

Martyn said that a total of 140 stops were made, with most of them resulting in a citation. The following tickets were given:

• 51 citations were issued for cell phone violations
• 18 citations were issued for texting violations
• 12 citations were issued for seatbelt violations
• 8 citations were issued for stop sign violations
• 5 citations were issued for unsafe speed violations
• 5 citations were issued for gridlock violations
• 4 citations were issued for failing to yield to pedestrians
• 4 citations were issued for failing to obey a traffic sign

What's more, five drivers were found to be driving without a license, and five others were driving on a suspended license, he said.

"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," Martyn 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."

The following San Mateo County agencies participate in the STEP program:

Atherton PD, San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office, Brisbane PD, Burlingame PD, East Palo Alto PD, Menlo Park PD, Foster City PD, Pacifica PD, Redwood City PD, San Bruno PD, San Mateo PD, San Mateo County Public Safety Communications and South San Francisco PD.

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