Sheriff's Office

For Immediate Release

Increasing pedestrian safety is the goal of current Joining Forces campaign

Most tragedies that result from traffic crashes are preventable. This is the firm belief of public safety agencies throughout Nevada, including the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office is currently participating in a multi-agency Joining Forces campaign aimed at reducing vehicle versus pedestrian crashes by increasing enforcement and awareness of traffic safety laws.

Between February 22^nd through March 8^th, the Sheriff’s Office is joining forces with other northern Nevada agencies to heighten enforcement of the state’s pedestrian safety laws through the dedication of extra traffic patrol deputies. Funding for these extra patrols is made possible by a Joining Forces grant received from the Nevada Department of Public Safety/Office of Traffic Safety.

All road users, drivers and pedestrians should be aware of these safety reminders:

Pedestrians

• Use intersections and marked mid-block crosswalks only
• Between dusk and dawn, wear bright clothing or accessories that can be seen at night
• Continue to look for oncoming traffic until the other side of the road is reached
• Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street

Drivers

• Obey speed limits and know when conditions warrant even slower speeds, including streets that are not well lit
• Check intersections and mid-block crosswalks for waiting pedestrians, and yield to them
• Make eye contact with pedestrians waiting to cross the street

No matter what form of transportation you use, take responsibility for others around you and respect their right to use the road. Make sure that you are predictable, alert, and focused on your safety and on the safety of those around you.

Joining Forces is a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement program aimed at reducing injuries and crashes through statewide enforcement in the areas of: DUI, speed, distracted driving, seat belt and pedestrian safety. The goal of these enforcement campaigns is to save lives by increasing public awareness about the dangers of making poor choices while driving. 

For the latest statistics about Nevada’s pedestrian crashes from Zero Fatalaties click here.

The Washoe County Sheriff's Office is dedicated to preserving a safe and secure community with professionalism, respect, integrity and the highest commitment to equality. Sheriff Darin Balaam is the 27th person elected to serve as the Sheriff of Washoe County since the Office was created in 1861. The Washoe County Sheriff's Office strives to ensure public safety by building trust and creating partnerships within the diverse communities in which we serve. We will promote the dignity of all people supported by our words and actions through open communication while fostering an environment of professionalism, integrity and mutual respect.

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