DUI checkpoints in Reno, Carson City during holiday weekend

In an effort to reduce alcohol-related crashes this holiday weekend, local law enforcement officials will be staffing three separate administrative Reno roadblocks screening drivers for impairment.

On Saturday and Sunday, from 6-11 p.m., the Nevada Highway Patrol will be conducting checkpoints on the Pyramid Highway near Egyptian Drive.

These two checkpoints were funded by the Northern Nevada DUI Task Force. Monday evening, the Sparks Police Department, Washoe County Sheriff's Office and NHP will be joining forces for a checkpoint from 6 p.m. to midnight in Sparks near Greenbrae Drive and McCarran Boulevard.

This checkpoint was made possible with a grant secured by the Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety.

To prevent traffic from becoming too congested, screening officers will greet drivers, and those identified as possibly being under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be directed to a separate area for further screening and testing.

"If we can identify one suspected drunken driver through this holiday weekend campaign, we feel we have been successful, possibly preventing an alcohol-related crash from occurring," said Trooper Chuck Allen.

Until Thursday, Carson City deputies will be working overtime to enforce DUI laws. Funding for the overtime used in this campaign has been provided by the Joining Forces Pace Your Self grant, administered by the traffic safety office.

"Fifty percent of all fatal crashes in Nevada in 2003 had alcohol involvement. This is compared to the national average of 40 percent," said Carson Sheriff's Deputy Jarrod Adams. "Alcohol-related crashes are still one of our nation's leading causes of death of America's youth."

Adams said high visibility of traffic enforcement is one of the best ways to ensure compliance with laws to prevent drunken driving.

"Our goal is to stop DUI drivers," he said.