SAN DIEGO — The California Highway Patrol is stepping up enforcement along the San Diego-Tijuana border to help ease traffic congestion.
Even after the reopening of the Ped West border crossing, drivers are still facing longer than normal wait times, which officers say often lead to road rage, hit-and-run crashes and other dangerous incidents.
“People get upset and sometimes it just turns into violence," said Officer Salvador Castro. “You have people that cut across here at this core point that people get upset about. You have people passing on the shoulder on each side, it’s just very dangerous."
CBS 8's Rocio De La Fe rode along with Castro to watch as officers enforced the area.
A total of 39 citations were handed out during filming.
Castro says increased border times have taken a toll on both drivers and the department.
“It does tie up a lot of resources having to send officers down here to enforce. We’ve seen various crimes occur because of people passing on the shoulder or people that are impatient. We have seen road rage incidents that occur. Hit-and-run crashes that occur where the driver doesn’t get any vital information on the other vehicle," said Castro.
One driver says the roads would be much safer and faster if people just did the right thing.
“Having people that are just cutting it’s like… I got work too, I got places to be you’re not the only one. Do what everyone else is doing, do the right thing and everyone will go quicker," said driver, Jovan Guizar, who works near the area.
CHP was recently awarded a grant to crack down on crashes. Castro says the goal is to prevent dangerous driving and encourage responsible behavior.
“Just let them in and just go about your day. It’s a little stressful but at the same time you’ll be safer," he added.
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