As summer wanes and turns into fall many of you will use these last days of warmth and sun to take your motorcycles out and enjoy the freedom of the roadways in Northern Nevada. Unfortunately some will still choose to drink and ride.
With the Street Vibrations Fall Rally in Reno and Virginia City on the horizon, Sept. 23-27, now is a good time to think about the consequences of riding while intoxicated.
Driving Under the Influence (DUI) or Driving While Intoxicated/impaired (DWI) is an offence committed when a driver operates a motorized vehicle after the consumption of alcohol or drugs or other intoxicants.
Increased alcohol levels in the driver's blood, leads to diminished mental and motor reactions which, in turn, reduce the driver's ability to control a motorized vehicle. This significantly increases the risk of the rider committing errors of judgment and often results in crashes causing severe injuries and even death.
While riding you need to have your focus on the road and be aware of your surroundings. Keeping yourself free of intoxicants will help keep your reflexes sharp so that you can avoid unforeseen hazards in the roadway or avoid the errant driver that you may come upon. Making good sound decisions while riding is crucial to making it home safely.
THINK IT OVER-RIDE SOBER
— Sgt. Scott McDaniel is with the Carson City Sheriff’s Office and writes regular public safety columns.