Drivers take note – especially those with a lead foot.

The Durango Police Department is stepping up traffic enforcement after an uptick in traffic crashes during the past year. There were 492 crashes reported in 2021, 50 of which resulted in injury and three in death.

In addition to speeding, the primary offenses that will be cited are following too closely, not wearing seat belts and distracted driving. Distracted driving is defined as people not giving full attention to driving. In addition to phone use, fiddling with a car stereo, applying makeup, or juggling a meal and a beverage on the go, may lead to the dreaded blue-and-red strobe lights in the rearview.

“For a community with just under 20,000 residents, our accident numbers are way too high,” said Sgt. Deven Conroy of the Durango Police Department, in a news release.

Increased enforcement along the north Main Avenue corridor, South Camino del Rio, East Third Avenue, College Drive and the Central Business District began at the onset of October and will continue for an indefinite period. Drivers are encouraged to follow the law and practice safe driving habits.

gjaros@durangoherald.com