Storey announces speed enforcement campaign

The Storey County Sheriff's Office has launched a speed enforcement blitz for Storey County called "Obey the Sign or Pay the Fine."

This intensified enforcement effort against speeding drivers underscores the severity of the problem both locally and across the nation, said Storey Sheriff's Sgt. Jason Dias.

"Speeding translates to death on our roadways. It greatly reduces a driver's ability to steer safely around another vehicle, a hazardous object, or an unexpected curve.

"Speeding drivers put themselves, their passengers and other drivers at tremendous risk," said Dias.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, in 2005 speeding was a contributing factor in more than a third of all fatal crashes in the U.S. and more than 13,000 lives were lost in such crashes.

Dias said regular seat belt use and driving free of alcohol and drugs is the most effective way to protect people and reduce fatalities in motor vehicle crashes.

He said that in 2005, 77 percent of passenger vehicle occupants in serious crashes who were buckled up survived, and that when worn correctly seat belts have proven to reduce the risk of fatal injury to front-seat passenger car occupants by 45 percent - and by 60 percent - in pickups, SUVs and minivans.

The campaign is funded by a grant through the Nevada Department of Public Safety/ Office of Traffic Safety.

People with questions should contact Dias at the Storey County Sheriff's Office Central Dispatch 847-0950 or by e-mail at jdias@storeycounty.org.