WCSO NEWS RELEASE
As part of ongoing efforts to increase public safety by reducing the number of accidents and injuries caused by distracted driving, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office participated in a Joining Forces distracted driving awareness campaign from Feb. 10 through Feb. 28.
During that time, the Sheriff’s Office joined the Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department and Nevada Highway Patrol for a high-intensity traffic enforcement campaign aimed at enforcing distracted driving laws.
Sheriff’s Office patrol staff assigned to this campaign initiated a total of 408 traffic stops. Although a driver may be stopped for one violation, several other violations may be observed during the subsequent investigation making it possible that a driver may be issued citations for numerous violations.
The total number of violations cited and warnings issued during this event was 577. Of those, 83 citations were issued for distracted driving.
Other violations cited by the Sheriff’s Office include:
220 speeding violations
82 for failure to show proof of insurance
41 motor vehicle registration violations
35 driver’s license related violations
13 vehicle equipment violations
7 violations for running a red light
4 violations for failing to yield the right of way
2 seatbelt violations
2 child seat violations
9 other violations
66 warnings
In addition, deputies arrested one person on drug charges and 12 people on fugitive charges.
The Sheriff’s Office participation in this Joining Forces distracted driving awareness and enforcement campaign was 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, distracted driving, seat belt, and speed and pedestrian safety. The goal of these enforcement campaigns is to save lives by increasing public awareness about the dangers of making poor choices while driving.
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.
