Cathleen Allison/Nevada Appeal Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Scott Simon talks with a driver during a traffic stop Tuesday afternoon in Carson City. An increase in troopers and deputies on the streets through Monday, and a DUI checkpoint in Incline Village, are being paid for by grants.
Increased deputies and a DUI checkpoint are on the agenda for the Fourth of July holiday, according to officials.
In Carson City, extra deputies will be on patrol to watch for drunken drivers through Monday, said Deputy Jarrod Adams.
"It is estimated that over the holidays approximately 500 people will be killed by drunk drivers nationwide. It is our goal to keep the streets safe from drunk drivers," Adams said.
Funding for the overtime has been provided by the Joining Forces grant, administered by the Nevada Office Of Traffic Safety, Department of Public Safety.
The Nevada Highway Patrol will also have extra troopers on duty watching for hazardous moving violations, occupant restraints and reckless drivers.
In addition to the saturation patrols scheduled throughout the holiday week, troopers will be conducting a DUI checkpoint near Incline Village from 5-10 p.m. today.
This operation is being funded by the Northern Nevada DUI Task Force and will be in the area of Ponderosa Avenue and State Route 28, also known as Tahoe Boulevard. Deputies from the Washoe County Sheriff's Office will be assisting.
"The primary purpose of the checkpoint is to create public awareness regarding drinking and driving and to apprehend intoxicated motorists that are identified in the screening process," said NHP spokesman Trooper Chuck Allen in a news release.