MERIDIAN POLICE DEPARTMENT
NEWS RELEASE: Monday, June 8th, 2020
CONTACT: Stephany Galbreaith, Public Information Officer- [email protected]
Meridian Police Increase Patrols with a Traffic Safety Focus
MERIDIAN- The Meridian Police Department is partnering with Office of Highway Safety to provide increased patrols to focus on aggressive and distracted driving during the month of June. In 2019 officers responded to 2,130 crashes in the City of Meridian, with distracted and aggressive driving contributing to 1,266 of those crashes. This mobilization, funded by a grant, is in an effort to encourage responsible driving, reduce crashes and fatalities, and assist in changing dangerous driving behaviors.
“Over the next two weeks, Meridian officers will be on the lookout for drivers who are speeding, tailgating, running red lights, and distracted driving,” said Traffic Sergeant Frasier, “We encourage drivers to buckle up and focus on driving responsibly, so that everyone can make it to their destinations safely.”
This emphasis coincides with the “100 Deadliest Days of Summer”. The 100-day stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day are the most dangerous for drivers to be on the road. Summer months come with an increase in traffic and unfortunately an increase in driving related fatalities due to aggressive and distracted driving.
“During the summer months, there are more people on our roads walking, riding, and driving,” said Idaho Transportation Department Highway Safety Manager John Tomlinson. “We owe it to them and we owe it to ourselves to slow down, put away distractions and drive engaged."
Traffic safety has always been a priority for the Meridian Police Department, with traffic complaints regularly reviewed and followed up on by Meridian’s Traffic Unit. To report traffic concerns, Meridian residents can contact the Meridian Police Department at 208-846-7300.
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The Meridian Police Department’s mission is to provide the highest quality service in partnership with the community to preserve and protect life and property through education, prevention and enforcement. The department has 118 police officers and 33 civilian staff dedicated to making Meridian a great place to live, work and raise a family.
