For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 1500026 |
| Date Issued: | Feb 27, 2015 - 10:52am |
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Sheriff's Office cites 195 drivers for cellphone use while driving during February's Joining Forces Distracted Driving campaign |
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| CONTACT: | |
As part of ongoing efforts to increase public safety by reducing the number of accidents and injuries caused by distracted driving, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office participated in a Joining Forces distracted driving awareness campaign from February 12 through February 23, 2015.
During that time, the Sheriff's Office joined the Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department and Nevada Highway Patrol for a high-intensity traffic enforcement campaign aimed at enforcing distracted driving laws.
The following results are from the Sheriff's Office portion of this campaign:
Sheriff's Office patrol staff assigned to this Distracted Driving Campaign initiated a total of 344 traffic stops. Although a driver may be stopped for one violation, several other violations may be observed during the subsequent investigation making it possible that a driver may be issued citations for numerous violations. The total number of violations cited and warnings issued during this event was 452.
Of those 452 citations, 195 were issued for distracted driving. Other violations cited by the Sheriff's Office include:
97 speeding violations
38 for failure to show proof of insurance
35 driver's license related violations
27 motor vehicle registration violations
8 vehicle equipment violations
8 violations for failing to yield the right of way
4 violations for running a red light
1 seatbelt violations
1 pedestrian at fault
8 all other violations
25 warnings
In addition, Deputies arrested two people on drug charges and three on fugitive charges.
The Sheriff's Office participation in this Joining Forces distracted driving awareness and enforcement campaign was 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, distracted driving, seat belt, and speed and pedestrian safety. The goal of these enforcement campaigns is to save lives by increasing public awareness about the dangers of making poor choices while driving.
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.
Attached audio files...