Nevada Highway Patrol begins high-intensity enforcement

The holidays might be over, but efforts from law enforcement to reduce impaired driving is not.

Police officers and Nevada Highway Patrol troopers will join forces and continue its high-intensity enforcement effort from today through Feb. 2, said NHP spokesman David Gibson,

He said officers will be out in force on roadways across Nevada looking for motorists who are driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.

“Last year, 284 fatalities were reported in Nevada, 18 more than in 2013,” he said. “Of those fatalities, 74 deaths were ruled to be alcohol-related.”

Even though the holiday celebrations have wrapped up, Gibson said the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety reinforces the importance of designating a sober driver and avoiding driving impaired. Alternatives include taking taxis, staying overnight or calling a friend for a ride home.

Joining Forces is a program designed to improve driver behavior by combining enforcement events with successful national and local media campaigns. Gibson said the multi-agency, highly visible enforcement is supported by the local news coverage and paid advertisements.