The Carson City Sheriff’s Office along with other law enforcement agencies throughout Nevada will be participating in Joining Forces through the rest of the month of July with the focus on impaired drivers and riders. Among the agencies, the Nevada Highway Patrol will hold a DUI checkpoint through the weekend.
The July 4 holiday brings an increase of alcohol consumption resulting in increased serious injuries and fatalities. The Carson City Sheriff’s Office will be increasing enforcement efforts to address the issue of impaired driving and riding offenses, said Carson City Sheriff's Office Sgt. Scott McDaniel.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System reports that Nevada has seen an increase in fatalities of 4 percent compared to the same time last year. If the State mirrors the 2014 trend, approximately one-third of fatalities this year will involve alcohol.
— Before drinking, designate a sober driver
— If impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation
— If you see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to call 911
— If someone is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements
Meanwhile, there will be a saturation patrols in South Lake Tahoe through July 5, plus Nevada law enforcement will hold a DUI check point at Lake Tahoe in Douglas County during the July 4 weekend, said NHP Trooper Dave Gibson.
The DUI checkpoint is being funded by a Joining Forces grant from the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety. Due to the fireworks display and other special events planned at Lake Tahoe, a large volume in both vehicle and pedestrian traffic expected during the holiday.
The increase in law enforcement presence at Lake Tahoe will help deter motorists and pedestrians from entering the roadways while impaired. In addition to the check point, additional officers will be patrolling the area roadways throughout the weekend to further protect pedestrians and other motorists from impaired drivers.