09-05-2025
Increased police presence in Stockton aims to curb dangerous driving
( — If you noticed more flashing lights and patrol cars around Stockton on Thursday, it wasn't a coincidence.
Law enforcement agencies across the region joined forces with the Stockton Police Department in a citywide effort to reduce collisions and promote safer driving habits.
The initiative, part of the Saturated Traffic Enforcement Program, brought more than 20 traffic officers from surrounding departments to target unsafe driving behaviors.
Police said this effort isn't just about writing tickets.
Lodi City Council appoints acting city manager
'Unsafe speeding, distracted driving, those go into the primary collision factors,' said Omer Edhah, spokesperson for the Stockton Police Department.
Edhah says the campaign comes in response to growing concerns about road safety, including reckless driving, red light running, and sideshow activity.
Residents like Chinadun Feaster say these issues are all too common.
'They are speeding, speeding. To the point where I'm like, come on now,' Feaster said.
During just 30 minutes at the intersection of March Ln and Pacific Ave, FOX40 cameras captured more than a dozen drivers running red lights.
'That's normal,' Feaster said. 'I mean, everybody does it.'
Emergency first responders said this behavior has real consequences.
Brian Hijak, regional director for American Medical Response in San Joaquin County, says staff members follow a rule of thumb.
Man gave teen girl vape pens, cash for sex, say Ceres police
'When the light turns red, wait three seconds- because when the light turns red, there's another vehicle that runs a red light,' Hijak said. 'It's a very somber feeling when I'm notified that a member of our team has been involved in any accident, for that matter, but especially red lights.'
This year, Stockton Police has reported 5 fatal crashes, a drop from seven fatal crashes this time last year.
With warmer weather and more people going out, officers also want to deter illegal street takeovers and sideshows.
'We want to send a strong message to the community that, for people who want to take part in these sideshows, Stockton's not the place to do it.'
Officers emphasize that STEP's goal is not punishment, but rather prevention and getting drivers to make safer choices behind the wheel.
Stockton Police say they're continuing to work with city officials to improve traffic safety and are encouraging residents to speak up and report any concerns in their neighborhood.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
