Driving safety home MPDs Traffic Unit starting the year off strong

The Marysville Police Department's Traffic Unit, recently reactivated, focuses on improving road safety amid growing community concerns about unsafe driving. Sergeant James Maples leads the unit, which recorded 806 traffic calls and 30 DUI arrests from December 16, 2023, to January 9, 2024. Washington state reported its highest traffic fatalities in nearly three decades in 2022, with impaired drivers contributing to about one-third of the 745 deaths. The Traffic Unit targets speeding in school zones and red-light violations to enhance safety at key intersections. Officer Andrew Parker emphasized the goal of reducing impaired driving through high visibility enforcement across the city.

The department aims to prevent traffic collisions and improve community quality of life. Residents can support the initiative by reporting erratic driving to 911 with detailed information. The proactive measures taken by the Traffic Unit are expected to significantly impact road safety in Marysville.