DPS takes News 11 on an exclusive ridealong

YUMA, Ariz. ( KYMA, KECY, KSWT)- Traffic violations and impaired drivers are the most common citations in Yuma County, according to The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS).

In an exclusive ride-along with DPS, we learned that 80 percent of what the department does is traffic law. This including getting impaired drivers off the streets of Yuma County and stopping speeding violators, the two biggest reasons behind fatal accidents.

“That’s what’s causing all the fatal collisions," said Arizona State Trooper Leifeste.

After coming across the violator, pulling over the person, and getting all the information the trooper needs that's when every detail is typed up in a database. To note every confrontation a trooper has with a person.

“Where we stopped them, who they were, what kind of car were they driving," said Arizona State Trooper Leifeste.

Although the traffic law is DPS's first priority, it also works with local and federal agencies in the area with other crimes.

“Domestic violence situation, an assault, kidnapping we will take that case," said Arizona State Trooper Leifeste.