The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office announced on April 2 that it will participate in a statewide Joining Forces campaign focused on distracted driving from April 3 through April 20. During this period, deputies will increase patrols and community outreach efforts to promote attentive and distraction-free driving across Nevada.
Distracted driving includes any activity that diverts attention from safely operating a vehicle, such as texting, talking on the phone, eating, adjusting controls, or interacting with passengers. Even brief distractions can lead to serious consequences while behind the wheel.
Electronic device use remains one of the most frequent and hazardous forms of distraction for drivers. The Sheriff’s Office said that taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds greatly increases crash risk. At highway speeds, this momentary lapse can result in traveling significant distances without proper attention to traffic conditions.
Law enforcement agencies throughout Nevada are working together to reduce preventable crashes caused by distracted driving. Drivers are urged to silence notifications, secure phones out of reach, and remain fully focused every time they drive.
The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office said it is committed to lowering roadway fatalities by raising awareness about speeding, lack of seatbelt use, impaired and distracted driving. Additional information about safe driving practices and Nevada’s Zero Fatalities goal is available at www.ZeroFatalitiesNV.com.
Funding for law enforcement participation in Joining Forces comes from the Nevada Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety.
