The Nevada State Police is conducting a statewide Joining forces campaign to crack down on DUI this holiday season.
The campaign will be starting today and going on for several weeks, ending on January 5th.
Sergeant Chris Brown, the Public Information Officer for the Nevada State Police, says having so many agencies come together to stop impaired drivers helps give police a high visibility of patrol, allowing them to cover areas that are not always covered.
“Just one drink can impair our judgment, our ability to safely operate a motor vehicle, and once you get behind the wheel, you’re taking everybody’s life into your hands,” said Sergeant Brown.
Finding impaired drivers is an effort to prevent crashes and deaths on the roadways.
Even one drink is too many when you're out and about, and if you do plan on drinking you need to think of an alternate way to get home that does not include risking your life at the wheel.
“Be smart, be safe," said Sergeant Brown. "If you’re going to be out there indulging in adult beverages or other impairing substances, that you make smart choices and either have a sober driver with you or spend a little bit of money on getting a taxi or a ride share and a safe ride home so that you can make it home safely and everyone else can make it home safely as well.”
“Plan ahead when you’re going to be out participating during the holiday season," he said. "People have a lot of holiday parties coming up and gatherings or a lot of time with your family. Plan ahead, make sure that you do have that safe ride home whether it’s a ride share a taxi or a sober driver.”
Troopers say, unfortunately, they see impaired driving throughout the year, but they see an increase during the holidays because more people are out enjoying festivities of the season. But they ask you do so responsibly.
Sergeant Brown reminds everyone “You can get a DUI from any substance that can impair your driving, not only alcohol but marijuana. Nevada’s a recreational marijuana state, so if you are consuming recreationally, you always have to be cautious about that too because that effects your abilities.”
He also says “Make a plan, be ready, and just remember every time you get behind the wheel you take everybody’s life including your life in your hands, and you want to make sure you get home safely and all of our families are able to get to their final destination safely.”
