SAVANNAH — Police in Savannah-Chatham County have launched a 90-day blitz to crack down on traffic violations.

The operation started Monday. Police Chief Willie Lovett has ordered every one of his marked patrol units to put a special focus on breaking the law — and to write tickets when necessary.

Lt. Greg Mitchell, commander of the department’s traffic division, says patrol officers are being asked to spend at least an hour of every shift looking for traffic violations.

Savannah police say they’re launching a crackdown because of a high number of serious crashes recently, though only six traffic fatalities have been reported by Savannah police this year.