SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
On Sunday, February 5, 2012, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Division will be hosting a DUI checkpoint (per NRS 484B.007 – Administrative roadblock) in the Spanish Springs area of Sparks. This DUI checkpoint will be a multi-agency partnership with the Reno Police Department, Nevada Highway Patrol, Sparks Police Department, Washoe County School Police, University of Nevada Police Department, and the Storey County Sheriff’s Office.
The “Joining Forces” DUI Enforcement Campaign is made possible by grant funding received from the Nevada Department of Public Safety/Office of Traffic Safety. “Joining Forces” is a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement program that promotes statewide enforcement in the areas of: DUI, seat belt, and speed and pedestrian safety. The purpose of this event is to educate the driving public in regards to DUI laws, to enforce the community’s no tolerance stance towards impaired driving and to remind people that it’s never safe to drive impaired.
Historically, Super Bowl Sunday brings an increase of impaired drivers to the nation’s roadways. This typically causes an increase in accidents involving DUI drivers.
“The Super Bowl has become an American tradition enjoyed by millions around the world.” Sheriff Mike Haley said. “Part of that tradition includes the popularity of game watching parties. In all the excitement, it’s unfortunate that people don’t always make the right decision about drinking and driving. Our job, through both deterrence and enforcement, is to protect the safety of the individual driver and the general public before, during and after the game.”
The public is reminded to plan accordingly if they’ve had any alcoholic beverages. Never trust a person who says they drank the least. If a person consumes any amount of alcohol they shouldn’t drive. Alcohol impairs a person’s judgment and attention. Be responsible and consider transportation options available to avoid driving while impaired. Some options are securing a designated sober driver, public transportation or a taxi service.
All media outlets are invited to join us at this DUI checkpoint at 5 p.m. for onsite interviews. The location will be released to the media on Super Bowl Sunday at 10 a.m.
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office uses a nationally recognized data driven approach to reducing crime and increasing public safety in our community. For additional information on Nevada statistics, prevention, laws, safety plans and downloads visit the Nevada Department of Transportation website www.zerofatalitiesnv.com – Zero Fatalities Drive Safe Nevada. Another helpful website for driving safety, vehicle safety, research, data, and laws and regulations, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website at www.nhtsa.gov.
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office celebrated 150 years of proud service and community partnership in 2011. Sheriff Michael Haley is the 24th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County. His office continues to be the only full service public safety agency operating within northern Nevada and is responsible for operating the consolidated detention facility, regional crime lab, Northern Nevada Counter Terrorism Center, Internet Crimes against Children Task Force, court security, service of civil process and traditional street patrols.
