Several northern Nevada law enforcement agencies will be teaming up and “joining forces” by staffing a DUI checkpoint in Reno this weekend.
On Saturday afternoon and evening, law enforcement personnel from the Reno and Sparks Police Departments, UNR Police Services, Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, and Nevada Highway Patrol will be conducting the administrative road block.
Motorists passing through the checkpoint will be briefly greeted by one of the law enforcement officers. Those motorists who show signs of alcohol and/or drug use will be directed to the secondary screening area for further evaluation. Once at the secondary screening area, standardized field sobriety tests will be administered and those who fail these tests will be placed under arrest.
Additionally, part of the initial screening area duties is to look for any traffic laws being ignored or broken. For example, drivers and passengers not wearing a seat belt; not utilizing a required child safety seat; or talking or texting on a cell phone that is not hands-free, may also be directed to the secondary screening area where a citation will be issued.
“We would like everyone to enjoy a safe and enjoyable holiday season and to always have a safety plan in place whenever alcohol is consumed. If you plan on drinking any amount of alcohol, please do not operate a motor vehicle. Those planning on consuming alcohol should utilize public transportation or identify a safe and sober driver; not the person in the group who has consumed the least amount of alcohol” said Trooper Chuck Allen.
In addition to this weekend’s DUI checkpoint, there will be extra troopers working this holiday season keeping our highways safe and looking for impaired drivers. This holiday enforcement event began on December 13, and will continue through January 6, 2014. Both of these traffic safety initiatives are being funded by the “joining forces” grant secured by the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety and paid for by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.