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Published on Tuesday, December 16, 2003
in the Ocala Star Banner
OCALA - Marion County motorists STEERed their way to 178 traffic citations Monday morning.
STEER, or Safety Through Education, Enforcement and Responsibility, is a joint law enforcement program that targets specific roads for enhanced enforcement of traffic laws. On Monday, the targeted area stretched from U.S. 441 at the Sheriff's Office substation through Belleview.
Florida Highway Patrol troopers teamed with police officers from Belleview and Ocala, and Marion County sheriff's deputies to try to reduce the danger on Marion roads. Dunnellon police also participate in STEER, but did not participate in Monday's operation.
With the county's traffic death toll at 110 for the year so far, police cracked down on speeders, red-light runners and aggressive drivers.
"I think we're getting through to people," said Ocala Police Lt. Dennis Yonce. "I think people are taking notice, especially when you have multi-jurisdictions out there. They were so busy looking for us (that) they were actually paying attention to their driving."
The numbers included citations for speeding, not wearing seat belts, running red lights or stop signs, no proof of insurance, no proof of registration or driver's license, failure to yield, faulty equipment, and other infractions.
Police also made six criminal arrests on various charges.
The multi-agency approach works well, said Sgt. Jeff Hilliard of the Florida Highway Patrol.
"People don't see different uniforms and different cars. They just see blue lights," he said.
Monday's operation began at 7 a.m. and was scheduled to continue through 11 p.m. Sheriff's deputies provided stepped-up enforcement along Southeast Maricamp Road on Monday afternoon and into the evening. The total of 178 citations and 28 warnings recorded Monday morning doesn't include any citations from later in the day.
An earlier STEER campaign along State Road 200 in November produced a total of 234 citations or tickets.
Additional targeted enforcement days will continue once a month through next year, trying to reduce the dangers of local roads.
"This is going to be a continued activity," said Sheriff's Office spokesman Lenny Uptagraft. "We're going to be working hard to keep the fatalities down."
The high-intensity enforcement makes drivers more aware, FHP's Hilliard said.
"If we can keep it up, and keep it widespread, I like what I see," Hilliard addedFHP's Hilliard said.
The holiday season, traditionally a dangerous time for drivers, means police won't have a chance to take a break. Ocala police will begin their seasonal stepped-up DUI enforcement tomorrow, Yonce said. DUI checkpoints are already scheduled for Friday, Dec. 19, and Saturday, Dec. 27, he added.