One year after Nevada’s “No Talking and Texting While Driving Law” went into effect the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is still concerned about the number of incidents involving distracted drivers on the roads of Washoe County.
The Sheriff’s Office feel it’s important to remind all drivers that by following the law, which prohibits the use of a handheld wireless communication device (cellular telephone) when operating a motor vehicle, we can all help make our roads as safe as possible.
“Thousands of distracted-driving accidents are reported in Nevada every year,” Assistant Washoe County Sheriff Marshall Emerson said. “Together, we can help to eliminate unnecessary tragedy by following the law and focusing on the road.”
NRS 484B.165 went into effect on October 1, 2011. The law prohibits the use of a handheld wireless communication device (cellular telephone) while operating a motor vehicle. As of January 1, 2012, fines of up to $250 can be given to motorists who are issued a citation for violating this statute.
The driver may talk on a cellular telephone using a hands-free device. Although a hands-free device is allowed, it is typically the act of conversing on the phone that distracts drivers from what is happening on the road.
“Drivers should have their entire focus on the road and their surroundings,” Assistant Sheriff Emerson said. “Absolutely nothing is more important than safety and road awareness.
“Don’t risk your life or the life’s of others over a cellular telephone; it’s a risk a person cannot afford to take.”
For more information on traffic safety campaign, visit WashoeSheriff.com and go to Staying Safe. Other good informational websites include: ZeroFatalitiesNV.com, NoPhoneZoneNV.com and Distraction.gov.
