Mesa Adds Traffic Officers to Address Rising Congestion and Crashes

New traffic unit aims to reduce routine fender benders as city growth drives more vehicles on the roads

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Mesa, Arizona has added six new traffic unit officers to its police force in an effort to reduce the growing number of routine crashes that have surged with rising traffic volume across the city. The department says the increase in crashes is being driven less by speed or single causes like distracted driving, and more by overcrowded roadways as the region's population grows. So far this year, patrol officers have issued close to 25% more citations, and the city has received a $3 million federal grant for street safety projects, with the traffic unit expansion as one component of a larger effort to make roads safer.

Why it matters

As Mesa's population and traffic volume continue to grow, the city has seen a rise in routine fender benders and minor collisions that clog streets and strain police resources. The new traffic unit aims to address this issue through increased enforcement, targeted patrols, and public education to reduce the frequency of these types of crashes.

The details

The six new traffic unit officers began patrols in January, with one officer visible on a motorcycle. Police officials say it will take time to measure the effectiveness of the program, but they hope the increased enforcement, along with the city's $3 million federal grant for street safety projects, will help reduce collisions and improve overall road safety. Local driving instructor Jamie Mojica emphasizes the importance of defensive driving habits, such as his 'scan, identify, predict, decide, execute' approach, to help drivers navigate heavy traffic situations.

  • The six new traffic unit officers began patrols in January 2026.
  • So far in 2026, patrol officers have issued close to 25% more citations.
  • In December 2025, a collision involving a sedan and a bus sent three people to the hospital.

The players

Mesa Police Department

The local law enforcement agency in Mesa, Arizona that has added six new traffic unit officers to its force to address the rise in routine crashes due to increased traffic volume in the city.

Jamie Mojica

A local driving instructor who produces instructional videos for Stop and Go Driving School and emphasizes the importance of defensive driving habits to help navigate heavy traffic situations.

Adam Mesa

A manager at SWC Autobody who has seen an increase in customers needing repairs due to the growing number of minor collisions on Mesa's roads.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Believe it or not, regular fender benders are probably the worst ones.”

— Adam Mesa, Manager, SWC Autobody (abc15.com)

“Having that mindset and continually executing it, even in low traffic situations, when you do encounter heavy traffic, you'll be well prepared for that.”

— Jamie Mojica, Driving Instructor, Stop and Go Driving School (abc15.com)

What’s next

Police officials plan to track trends over the coming months and evaluate whether the new traffic unit and grant-funded projects reduce collisions and improve safety on Mesa's roads.

The takeaway

As Mesa's population and traffic volume continue to grow, the city is taking proactive steps to address the rise in routine crashes through increased enforcement, targeted patrols, and public education. This multifaceted approach aims to improve overall road safety and reduce the strain on police resources caused by these minor collisions.