Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Joins Forces with Statewide Partners to Combat Distracted Driving

In an effort to make Nevada’s roads safer, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office is Joining Forces with law enforcement agencies across the state to crack down on distracted driving, causing easily avoidable crashes and tragedies.

From August 14^th through September 1^st, additional dedicated deputies will be on patrol specifically watching for drivers who are distracted behind the wheel.

Nevada law prohibits using cell phones or other electronic devices while driving, even when stopped at a traffic light. Distractions like texting or checking your phone significantly increase the chances of a crash. For example, taking your eyes off the road for just five seconds at 55 mph is like driving the length of an entire football field blindfolded.

Distracted driving covers any activity that pulls your attention away from driving. The National Traffic Safety Administration identifies three types of distraction:

• Visual – taking your eyes off the road, like checking your phone or looking at your GPS.
• Manual – taking your hands off the wheel, like reaching for a drink or adjusting the radio.
• Cognitive – taking your mind off what you’re doing, like letting your mind wander or conversation with passengers.

Through this increased enforcement and education effort, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office hopes to remind drivers that staying focused behind the wheel is essential for everyone’s safety.

Funding for these extra patrols is made possible by a Joining Forces grant received from the Nevada Department of Public Safety/Office of Traffic Safety. Joining Forces is a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement program aimed at reducing injuries and crashes through statewide enforcement in the areas of: DUI, speed, distracted driving, seat belt 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.

For more information about Nevada’s distracted driving laws, visit the state’s Zero Fatalities website at: http://www.zerofatalitiesnv.com/focus-on-the-road/