By NHP Trooper Chuck Allen
As part of the 2011 Labor Day DUI awareness, education, and enforcement campaign labeled “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over”, several law enforcement agencies are beefing up patrols around the state.
Here in Northern Nevada, a DUI Sobriety checkpoint will be taking place this weekend along with additional troopers out on patrol to increase the safety of the motoring public. The funding for these safety initiatives is generated from the “Joining Forces” grant secured by the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
As we approach the Labor Day holiday weekend, or the traditional or unofficial end of the summer season, more traffic is expected on our roadways. For those who are planning on consuming alcohol, please plan your activities safely by designating a safe and sober driver in advance. Other safety considerations include utilizing public transportation, staying home or at a hotel or resort, or simply refraining from alcohol altogether.
As for the checkpoint this weekend, it will be comprised of troopers, officers, and deputies from the Nevada Highway Patrol, Sparks and Fallon Police Departments and the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office and will be held in Lyon County on Friday evening. Each driver who passes through the checkpoint will be contacted and greeted. Drivers, who appear to be impaired or display signs of alcohol or drug use, will be directed to the secondary screening area for further evaluation so that the flow of traffic is minimally inconvenienced.
A DUI is a preventable crime and can easily be avoided by drivers making sound and wise decisions to never drive after consuming alcohol. The 2011 Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign started on Aug. 19, and will continue through Sept. 5.
— Trooper Chuck Allen is the public information officer for the Nevada Highway Patrol. He can be reached at callen@dps.state.nv.us