Chances are, if you were out and about in your vehicle Tuesday morning you either A). saw somebody pulled over for a traffic stop or B). were yourself pulled over for a traffic stop.

The Stanislaus County Integrated Traffic Enforcement team was out in full force Tuesday, and it was no coincidence that the effort coincided with the beginning of the school year.

“The CITE team was active in Turlock on Tuesday, made up of various agencies within Stanislaus County,” said Turlock Police Chief Jason Hedden. “We’re united it the mission to reduce injuries and fatalities from motor vehicle collisions through education and enforcement.”

In the morning, officers concentrated on infractions committed within school zones, according to Hedden. Later, the team turned its attention to problem areas throughout town.

“Typically, we do this twice a year,” said Hedden. “And we lined it up so one would be in August for the beginning of the school year.”

All told, there 178 traffic stops on Tuesday with 173 citations issued. Of those, 166 were for moving violations such as speeding, running red lights, failing to stop at stop signs, and using cell phones while driving. Additionally, officers arrested five drivers and towed five vehicles.

“I saw two separate traffic stops on my way to work (Tuesday) morning,” said Hedden. One near Turlock High School and one near Julien Elementary.”

Participating in Tuesday’s effort were members of the Turlock, Modesto, Oakdale and Newman police departments, as well as the Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Department and the California Highway Patrol.

“They are a very effective way of surging into a community for maximum traffic enforcement in problem areas,” said Sheriff Jeff Dirkse. “We have great partnerships with our partner agencies and we all collaborate together and rotate through the various cities.”

Hedden said that, statistically, traffic incidents and traffic fatalities are down in Turlock.

“But if you go on social media, people will tell you that it’s out of control,” the chief said. “In general, motorists are careless when driving. I see it. People are impatient and not considerate of others.”

Hedden said that distracted driving — texting or talking on a cell phone while behind the wheel — has become a major concern.

“Distracted driving is a big one for us,” said Hedden. “People need to put down their cell phones and concentrate on the road.”