Steamboat Springs police are hoping a new special assignment unit dedicated to traffic enforcement will help tamp down what the department says are rampant and unsafe driving behaviors.

“The new unit is responsible for traffic enforcement and bringing safe driving behaviors back to our community,” Police Chief Mark Beckett said. “The rules of the road apply, and the special unit will actively target unsafe driving behaviors and keeping our streets safe.” 

The unit will operate under the direction of Sgt. Evan Noble. The unit will include three assigned detectives who will use marked and unmarked vehicles to enforce a “zero tolerance” traffic enforcement policy, according to the police department.

Along with traffic enforcement campaigns targeting specific areas and neighborhoods for seat belt violations, distracted driving and vehicle registration compliance, the special assignment unit will be on the lookout for other crimes such as distributing narcotics.

“Traffickers are using vehicles to a greater degree to transport narcotics through the region,” the department said in a news release. “The (unit) will be tasked with disrupting that flow and working to seize drugs and related equipment as well as apprehending individuals with outstanding warrants during traffic stops.”

The new unit also will oversee security measures and traffic plans for special events including the city’s Fourth of July celebration, Halloween Stroll and Winter Carnival.

“As I said earlier this summer and despite an increased effort in addressing unsafe habits, we continue to see aggressive driving and flagrant disregard by some that is going to severely or fatally injury someone,” Beckett said. “The goal for this special unit is to significantly change behaviors on our streets as well as provide security expertise for key events.”