COLORADO SPRINGS- It’s been the deadliest year on record for people driving, biking, and walking on Colorado Springs streets. Only on News 5, we’re getting an inside look at how the Colorado Springs Police Department is trying to prevent another tragedy on our roads.
Officer Dale Peterson works with the Colorado Springs Police Department’s traffic team. He’s seen a lot during his 15 years, but this year has been different. More people have died in traffic crashes than ever before.
“We can’t keep having people die and die on the road,” said Peterson.
Peterson is leading a team of officers aiming to crack down on bad driving.
“For the City of Colorado Springs, we are hitting the enforcement hard and don’t expect a break when you get pulled over. Expect to get a ticket because that’s what works,” said Peterson.
While the focus is on drivers, officers heard from pedestrians too. Officers say crossing the street in the springs has been dangerous and if you don’t use the crosswalk you might not make it.
“A lot of people haven’t made it this year and every one of them is a tragedy in its own right,” said Peterson. “So if we can cut that down, or at least make people think a little bit. That’s what we’re out here to do.”
In the span of about an hour traffic officers made 13 traffic stops near Austin Bluffs and Academy Tuesday. 12 drivers got tickets and one person was arrested for having a misdemeanor warrant.
