The Carson City Sheriff’s Office issued more than 170 citations and one arrest following two Joining Forces events in April.
Joining Forces, a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement program that promotes statewide enforcement that works to increase public awareness about the dangers of making poor choices while driving, focused on distracted driving in April. During the program, 1 arrest was made for DUI, 89 speeding citations, 21 cell phone use citations, 19 stop sign violation citations, 41 other traffic related violations and 1 citation for an individual cutting hair while driving.
“Keep your eyes on the road, and put away cell phones and other items that cause distractions,” said Sgt. Scott McDaniel. “When combined with speeding and driver inattention, you take a greater risk of being involved in an injury car crash.”
Nationally, more than 3,000 people were killed and 431,000 injured in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted driving in 2014, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Five seconds is the average time your eyes are off the road while texting. When traveling at 55 mph, that’s enough time to cover the length of a football field blindfolded.
Grant Funding for this event is provided by the Nevada Department of Public Safety-Office of Traffic Safety. The funds are used to pay for additional deputies who participate in these events.