From June 17^th through July 11^th, the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office had extra Deputies on the roadways targeting impaired drivers. The additional Deputies were funded by a grant awarded to the Sheriff’s Office by the Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety. In addition to DUI saturation enforcement, the Sheriff’s Office assisted with two separate DUI checkpoints. The first was hosted by the Reno Police Department on July 25^th in Reno and the second was hosted by the Nevada Highway Patrol on July 4^th in Incline Village.

The Sheriff’s Office DUI saturation enforcement units (Sheriff’s Office stats only) initiated 139 traffic stops, with 12 drivers being arrested for DUI. Of those 139 traffic stops, 32 citations were issued for speeding violations and 27 citations were issued for equipment violations. Also, 18 people were cited for failure to wear a seat restraint and 7 drivers were issued citations for failing to properly restrain their child. Other notable violations were that 13 drivers had either suspended/revoked/cancelled or no valid driver’s licenses. Lastly, 12 drivers were cited for not having proof of insurance.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to remind every person that driving impaired or simply being a passenger with someone who is impaired is not worth the danger. The consequences are severe, if not deadly. The Sheriff’s Office encourages the public to report possible impaired drivers by calling 911 or 832-WCSO (9276).

Multi-Agency DUI Saturation Enforcement – June 17, 2011

The Washoe County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the Nevada Highway Patrol, and the Reno and Sparks Police Departments will be placing additional personnel on patrol during Friday, June 17^th – Monday, July 11^th. The emphasis is to contact drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The goal of this campaign is to help make the upcoming 4^th of July holiday as safe as possible for all motorists on Nevada’s roadways.

The additional enforcement personnel will be working through grant funding received from the Nevada Department of Public Safety – Office of Traffic Safety.

This time of year is traditionally dangerous due to the number of people traveling during the summer time and the numerous social gatherings that occur around the 4^th of July holiday.

Please use good judgment and select a designated driver or alternate means of transportation.