A traffic patrol emphasis along Columbia Center Boulevard in Kennewick last year resulted in a 9 percent reduction in crashes, authorities said.

Kennewick police's Traffic Unit focused on speeders, red-light runners and drivers on cellphones that could lead to distracted driving as officers conducted high-visibility enforcement patrols, said Sgt. Ken Lattin.

Extra patrols were conducted on Columbia Center Boulevard because intersections along that road historically are among the 10 top highest collision locations, Lattin said.

The decrease in the high-collision area also helped yield a 9 percent reduction in crashes throughout the city in 2012, he said.