The Carson City Sheriff’s Office along with other law enforcement agencies throughout the State, will be participating in Joining Forces through the month of October. The focus of this event will be impaired drivers and riders.
Impaired driving fatalities have consistently been the most common cause of motor vehicle accidents resulting in injuries and death in Nevada. While alcohol related crashes and fatalities have decreased 48-percent compared to this time last year, there has still been an increase in overall fatalities to date.
With the summer months in rear view, a period known by enforcement officials as the “hundred deadliest days,” enforcement officials are reminding motorists to make responsible decisions when taking to the roadways as the holiday months approach.
What seems like a small buzz can have deadly consequences when taking to the roadways. Illegal drugs, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and lack of sleep can also impair your ability to drive safely. Law enforcement wants to remind motorists to always drive and ride sober or use a designated driver to reach your destinations safely.
In efforts to achieve the “Zero Fatalities” goal this holiday season, drivers and riders are encouraged to know the law for blood alcohol levels and to abide by the following guidelines:
• designate a sober driver before drinking;
• use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member or use public transportation if impaired;
• take advantage of local sober ride programs;
• call 911 if a drunk driver is spotted on the road;
• take the keys or assist in making other arrangements for someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired
Grant Funding for this event is provided by the Nevada Department of Public Safety-Office of Traffic Safety. These monies are used to pay for additional deputies who will be out looking for impaired drivers / riders.
Other events that will be held in the future focus on pedestrian safety, seat belt use, distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving. The object of these events is to increase safety on our roadways and reduce crashes which can lead to death and injuries.
— Sgt. Scott McDaniel is with the Carson City Sheriff's Office and writes regular public safety column.