The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office participated in a Joining Forces Seatbelt Safety campaign during the last two-and-a-half weeks of May. Based on citations issued during that campaign, most motorists are wearing their seatbelts but many are still driving above the speed limit or using their cell phones while driving.
From May 15 through June 1, 2014, Sheriff’s Office Motor Patrol units joined forces with the Reno Police Department, Sparks Police Department and Nevada Highway Patrol for a high-intensity traffic enforcement campaign focused on enforcing traffic safety laws and looking for people not wearing a seat belt as part of the national “Click It or Ticket” campaign.
Sheriff’s Office patrol staff assigned to this Joining Forces campaign initiated a total of 315 traffic stops. While only ten drivers (which is still ten too many) were cited for seatbelt violations, over 200 received speeding citations and 45 were cited for cell phone use.
The total number of violations cited and warnings issued by the Sheriff’s Office during this event was 453. 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.
Violations cited by the Sheriff’s Office during this campaign include:
10 seatbelt violations
202 speeding
45 cell phone use
48 failure to show proof of insurance
25 driver’s license related violations
22 motor vehicle registration violations
11 vehicle equipment violations
5 violations for running a red light
6 failing to yield the right of way
19 all other violations
56 warnings
1 DUI arrest
3 fugitive warrant arrests
Sheriff’s Office participation in this Joining Forces seatbelt 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 Regional Intelligence Center, Internet Crimes against Children Task Force, court security, service of civil process, traditional street patrols and Regional Animal Services.
