For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 1300029 |
| Date Issued: | Mar 01, 2013 - 3:47pm |
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Sheriff's Office releases February "Joining Forces" impaired driving awareness and enforcement event results |
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| WHEN: | February 1 - 19, 2013 |
| WHERE: | Washoe County |
| CONTACT: | Sergeant Armando Avina - |
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office has completed their share of the February 2013 "Joining Forces" impaired driving awareness and enforcement event. The Sheriff's Office joined the Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department and the Nevada Highway Patrol during this event, which ran from February 1 through February 19, 2013.
Sheriff's Office patrol staff assigned to this impaired driving awareness and enforcement event initiated 307 traffic stops and three drivers arrested for violation of the Nevada DUI laws. Additionally, of the 307 traffic stops, there were three fugitives from justice persons arrested and one felony arrest made.
The Sheriff's Office issued 196 speeding citations, 14 cell phone/other distracted driving citations, and 24 citations for drivers' license related violations. Other notable violations included 24 motor vehicle registration citations, 22 vehicle equipment citations, eight seat belt citations, 42 citations for failure to show proof of insurance, one citation for driver failing to yield the right of way, seven driving through red light citations. Other various citations and written warnings totaled 59.
Although a driver may be stopped for one violation, during a patrolman's investigation, several other violations may be observed. It's possible that one driver may be issued a citation for numerous violations.
The "Joining Forces" impaired driving awareness and enforcement campaign is made possible by grant funding received from the Nevada Department of Public Safety/Office of Traffic Safety. "Joining Forces" is a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement program that promotes statewide enforcement in the areas of: DUI, seat belt, distracted driving, and speed and pedestrian safety. The purpose of this event is to educate the driving public in regards to DUI laws, to enforce the community's no tolerance stance towards impaired driving and to remind people that it's never safe to drive impaired.
The Sheriff's Office uses a nationally recognized data- driven approach to reducing crime and increasing public safety in our community. Sheriff's Office data has shown a high incidence of traffic violations, traffic accidents, traffic problems and DUI arrests in our region. The Sheriff's Office continues to be a data-driven agency in order to proactively provide the best possible services to the citizens of our community.
The Sheriff's Office reminds the public to drink responsibly, designate a sober driver, utilize a taxi service or public transportation, or make arrangements to stay where you are. It is best practice to have a safety plan established prior to beginning festivities that may involve alcohol consumption. Motorist should be aware that law enforcement personnel are enforcing DUI laws year-round.
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.