WCSO NEWS RELEASE
Local law enforcement agencies will put more deputies, officers and troopers on the roadways during the next week and over the Labor Day holiday weekend as part of a joint effort to crack down on motorists who put public safety at risk by driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is “Joining Forces” with the Reno and Sparks Police Departments and the Nevada Highway Patrol to help save more lives by using saturation patrols to enforce DUI laws around the clock from Aug. 30 through Sept. 5.
The purpose of this event is to educate the driving public in regard to DUI laws, to enforce the community’s no tolerance stance toward impaired driving and to remind people that it’s never safe to drive impaired.
“Our goal is to save lives,” Washoe County Undersheriff Todd Vinger said. “Driving under the influence is a gamble we don’t want drivers to take, and collaborative saturation patrols are an effective way for law enforcement to emphasize the dangers of impaired driving to the public.”
“Joining Forces” is a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement program that promotes statewide enforcement in the areas of: DUI, distracted driving, seat belt, speed and pedestrian safety.
This “Joining Forces-Impaired Driving” awareness and enforcement campaign is made possible by grant funding received from the Nevada Department of Public Safety/Office of Traffic Safety.
The Sheriff’s Office reminds the public to drink responsibly, designate a sober driver and utilize a taxi service or public transportation. It’s always best practice to have a safety plan before starting your festivities. Motorists should know that law enforcement personnel are out enforcing DUI laws year-round.
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. For another helpful website for driving safety, vehicle safety, research, data, and laws and regulations, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 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 25th 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, traditional street patrols and Regional Animal Services.
