A Little Help from the CHP. Let’s Stop The Dangerous Driving

We’ve all seen the reckless drivers in town. They are dangerous, scary, and concerning. Our city police department is often stretched thin due to their comprehensive crime-fighting responsibilities. But there is a solution.

Our city can strategically utilize the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to enhance traffic enforcement through the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP). This program is designed to assist cities like ours by providing targeted traffic enforcement to address specific issues such as speeding and reckless driving1.

By contracting with the CHP, we can deploy their officers for targeted traffic enforcement on a rotational basis—one week on, followed by a week off. This approach maintains an element of unpredictability, keeping habitual speeders on their toes and significantly reducing dangerous driving behaviors.

This arrangement is financially feasible, even with tightening budgets. It leverages existing resources to meet the needs of our community efficiently and effectively. We can solve this problem together.

The STEP program has been a success in other small cities, leading to significant reductions in speeding and alcohol-related crashes2. This proven track record gives us confidence that it will work for Desert Hot Springs as well.

My plan is to focus on Palm Drive and Hacienda Boulevard, where the dangerous driving problem is most severe. However, I am open to suggestions. If there are other areas where you believe traffic patrol is needed, please email or call me anytime at (760) 333-1374.

We can solve the problem of dangerous drivers. As Mayor, I will ensure this solution, or others like it, are prioritized on our city’s agenda.