SHERIFF RHODES ADDRESSES PUBLIC MEETING ON TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT

Published on April 03, 2025

Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes told about 150 people at a public meeting April 1st at a Chino Valley CAFMA station that the Sheriff’s Office will continue tough traffic enforcement on Williamson Valley Road after a deadly head-on crash on March 22 killed a father and his two kids. The Sheriff wanted the meeting to be held at the fire station so that those attending could be reminded firsthand of the ones who immediately respond to these horrible accidents.

YCSO LT. Winfrey updated the audience on the crash investigation, saying investigators believe a Toyota 4-runner, driven by the father, was going 70.8 mph about 5 seconds before the crash in a 50-mph zone, and crossed into oncoming traffic, striking a Jeep Wrangler at 60-70 mph. Based on witness statements and evidence recovered from vehicles, impairment is believed to be a factor. YCSO is awaiting toxicology reports from the Medical Examiner’s Office, which should be available in the coming weeks.

YCSO area LT. Moralez has ramped up traffic stops by his unit, and he cited statistics—this year in three months, 123 stops, with around a 30% higher ticket rate than in prior years. By comparison, for 2023, 170 traffic stops; for 2024, 343 traffic stops. Deputies focus on Williamson Valley Road between emergency calls, and state funding provides organized extra traffic details on the road. There is zero tolerance for things like going 20+ mph over the limit, impairment, and reckless driving. Last year, YCSO responded to 105 crashes; 85 were non-injury, and three were fatal.

In response to audience questions, the Sheriff said driving habits change with tickets and personal deputy interaction with drivers, not by speed cameras. Also, he said, using marked patrol cars, rather than unmarked, causes drivers to slow down.

Road development, which is handled primarily by the county Board of Supervisors, was a key issue, and topics discussed included:

• A turning lane (planned)

• Widening the road (previously rejected by locals)

• Rumble strips

• Stop signs

• Roundabouts

Supervisor Chris Kuknyo told the audience at the meeting that a traffic study is coming this summer and will help to decide the best solutions to make the road safer.

YCSO thanks everyone who came out, asked questions, and listened firsthand to the first responders. The Sheriff and the deputies hear you, and we will continue to diligently enhance public safety.