Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

PR #: 1800084
Date Issued: Aug 03, 2018 - 10:37am

Increasing pedestrian safety is the goal of next Joining Forces campaign

CONTACT: Bob Harmon
Washoe County Sheriff's Office
Office 775-785-6235
Cell 775-722-5517

Most tragedies that result from traffic crashes are preventable. This is the firm belief of public safety agencies throughout Nevada, including the Washoe County Sheriff's Office.

Beginning next week, the Sheriff's Office will participate in a multi-agency Joining Forces campaign aimed at reducing vehicle versus pedestrian crashes by increasing enforcement and awareness of traffic safety laws.

From August 6 through August 24, the Sheriff's Office will join forces with the Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department, and Nevada Highway Patrol to heighten enforcement of the state's pedestrian safety laws through the dedication of extra traffic patrol deputies. Funding for these extra patrols is made possible by a Joining Forces grant received from the Nevada Department of Public Safety/Office of Traffic Safety.

All road users, drivers and pedestrians, need to remember and obey the basic rules of the road that have been put in place to help save lives:

Pedestrians

  • Use intersections and marked mid-block crosswalks only
  • Between dusk and dawn, wear bright clothing or accessories that can be seen at night
  • Continue to look for oncoming traffic until the other side of the road is reached
  • Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street

Drivers

  • Obey speed limits and know when conditions warrant even slower speeds, including streets that are not well lit
  • Check intersections and mid-block crosswalks for waiting pedestrians, and yield to them
  • Make eye contact with pedestrians waiting to cross the street

No matter what form of transportation you use, take responsibility for others around you and respect their right to use the road. Make sure that you are predictable, alert, and focused on your safety and on the safety of those around you.

Joining Forces is a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement program aimed at reducing injuries and crashes through statewide enforcement in the areas of: DUI, speed, distracted driving, seat belt 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.

For more information about Nevada's pedestrian safety laws, visit the state's Zero Fatalities website at: https://zerofatalitiesnv.com/be-pedestrian-safe/

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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.

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