South Jordan police conduct traffic blitz after significant increase in crashes

SOUTH JORDAN, Utah (KUTV) — Police in South Jordan stayed extra busy on Wednesday morning.

Officers are encouraging drivers to be on their best behavior after a significant uptick in crashes around the area.

This week also marks the Child Passenger Safety Week.

Police stayed close to Bingham High School after noticing a 60 to 80% increase in crashes since the start of the school year. Officers gave out general violations within one mile of the school.

They also handed out tickets near the elementary schools. The tally from Wednesday's enforcement is as follows:

• Total stops 18
• Total citations 7
• Total warnings 11

"If we can prevent those crashes," said South Jordan Police Sgt. Sam Winkler, "we can save tax-payer dollars in the long run."

They were there to make sure everyone was wearing their seat-belts. They say 91% of parents and students were this morning.

Officer watched for anyone running red lights along Redwood Road.

They spent an hour at the intersection and caught four drivers.

In four hours, officers ticketed an estimated 20 people.

Sgt. Winkler told 2News only 10% of students riding their bike to school on Wednesday were wearing helmets. It's not the law, but according to Winkler, is highly recommended as serious or even deadly crashes can be prevented by wearing the headgear.

As a reminder, a child safety seat checkpoint is being conducted on Saturday from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Walmart 3590 W. South Jordan Parkway. The police department will have a limited number of free seats to pass out to those who need.

Lastly, October 20-26 is Teen Driver Safety Week.