The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office has announced its participation in a statewide campaign aimed at addressing impaired driving. The initiative, known as the Joining Forces event, will run from December 16, 2025, through January 5, 2026. During this period, law enforcement agencies across Nevada will increase patrols to focus on enforcing DUI laws and raising public awareness about the risks of driving under the influence.
According to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office, impaired driving is the leading cause of motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities in Nevada. It accounts for nearly half of all traffic deaths in the state. “The goal of the Sheriff’s Office in participating in this campaign is to educate the public and enforce DUI laws to make our community’s roads safer for everyone,” stated officials from the department. “Impaired driving is the number one cause of motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities in Nevada, accounting for 47 percent of all traffic fatalities statewide. Even one impaired decision can have life-altering consequences for the driver, passengers, pedestrians, and everyone else sharing the road.”
With an expected increase in holiday travel during this time of year, authorities are urging people to plan ahead and avoid driving while impaired. They encourage residents to use alternatives such as designated sober drivers, ride-sharing services, taxis or public transportation if they have been drinking.
“The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office remains committed to reducing the number of fatalities on Nevada roads to zero by increasing public awareness about the dangers of speeding, driving unrestrained, impaired driving, distracted driving, and more,” officials said. Additional information about safe driving practices and efforts toward zero traffic fatalities can be found at www.ZeroFatalitiesNV.com.
Funding for these enforcement campaigns comes from sources including the Nevada Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. These agencies support law enforcement efforts statewide to lower traffic-related deaths through initiatives like Joining Forces.
