Joining Forces focuses on impaired driving

Local law enforcement is focusing on impaired driving in October as a part of their Joining Forces program.

In an effort to achieve the Zero Fatalities goal for this holiday season, Carson City, Lyon County, Douglas County and the Nevada Highway Patrol will have additional patrols on the roads to address impaired drivers and riders in Northern Nevada.

The Douglas County Sheriff’s Department said it has seen an increase in fatalities and accidents due to impaired driving.

“We have a zero tolerance for impaired drivers who put themselves and everyone else on our roads at risk of serious injury or even death,” said Douglas County Sheriff Ron Pierini in a press release. “Nevada’s goal is Zero Fatalities.”

Sgt. Scott McDaniel of the Carson City Sheriff’s Department said they want to remind motorists to make responsible decisions when taking to the roadways as the holiday months approach.

“What may seem like a small buzz can have deadly consequences when taking to the roadways,” McDaniel said in a press release. “Illegal drugs, prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and lack of sleep can also impair your ability to drive safely. Law enforcement wants to remind motorists to always drive and ride sober or use a designated driver to reach your destinations safely.”

Law enforcement in Douglas and Lyon Counties will be conducting their patrols from Oct. 16 to Nov. 2. Carson City deputies will be having special events on Oct. 22, 23, and 27.

Joining Forces is a multi-jurisdictional program that aims to reduce and educate the public on major problems such as distracted driving, speeding, and pedestrian safety. The program is paid for through grant funding provided by the Nevada Department of Public Safety-Office of Traffic Safety to pay for the extra deputies who are out to enforce these issues.