For Immediate Release
| PR #: | 1800050 |
| Date Issued: | May 01, 2018 - 12:03pm |
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Slow down and focus on the road |
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| CONTACT: | Bob Harmon Washoe County Sheriff's Office Office 775-785-6235 Cell 775-722-5517 |
Washoe County Sheriff's deputies issued hundreds of citations for violations of speed and distracted driving laws as part of a statewide Joining Forces event during the first two weeks of April. The message to motorists: "Slow down and focus on the road!"
From April 1 through April 15, 2018, 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 reducing distracted driving. Sheriff's Office units assigned to this effort issued 475 citations. Most citations were for cellphone use or speeding.
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 373 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 475:
241 speeding violations
74 cellphone use
35 motor vehicle registration violations
34 for failure to show proof of insurance
18 driver's license related violations
10 vehicle equipment violations
3 failure to yield right of way
3 seatbelt violations
1 child seat violation
5 all other citations
51 warnings
As part of ongoing efforts to reduce distracted driving in Nevada, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office is participating in another Joining Forces distract driving prevention event from May 1 through May 14, 2018. All drivers are reminded to stay focused and stay safe.
The Sheriff's Office participation in these Joining Forces distracted driving awareness and enforcement campaigns 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.