SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
Reno Police officers will work city-wide in hopes of getting impaired drivers off the streets on a night well-known for celebrating with alcohol.
The funding for the officers to work the DUI saturation on St. Patrick’s Day is provided by the Northern Nevada DUI Task Force. “The Task Force has been incredible with helping us supplement our normal DUI enforcement efforts, especially as we face staffing challenges,” advises Reno Police Sergeant Marty Wright.
The Task Force has supplemented DUI enforcement staffing over the years during holidays and special events. “Last year, they helped us obtain 14 more Preliminary Breath Test machines and get them out to our patrol units throughout the city,” advised Wright. “They’ve helped us try to maintain our DUI enforcement numbers, which are always some of the highest in the state.”
The Northern Nevada DUI Task Force is also a sponsor of RTC’s Free Ride campaign, which runs from 6:00 p.m. to midnight on St. Patrick’s Day, to help reduce alcohol related traffic fatalities and injuries. The Free Ride campaign provides party-goers another alternative form of transportation, rather than risking the consequences of driving while impaired. No passes are required to take advantage of the free bus rides.
The Reno Police Department is encouraging people to enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day festivities but to do so by not drinking and driving to help keep everyone on the streets safe. Having a designated driver or using public transportation is one way to avoid the tragedy of a DUI related traffic accident that can result in death or serious injury.
The only road closure within the City of Reno for St. Patrick Day festivities is Vesta Street between Wells Avenue and Visalia Street. The closure will occur on Thursday, March 17 from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
