Drivers across Northern Nevada can expect increased traffic enforcement through the end of August as law enforcement agencies participate in a statewide Joining Forces campaign focused on distracted driving.
Officers, deputies and troopers from participating agencies will increase patrols and enforcement efforts aimed at drivers using handheld electronic devices behind the wheel. The campaign is intended to reduce distracted driving and improve safety on roadways across the region.
Nevada law prohibits drivers from using a cellphone or any other handheld wireless communications device while operating a vehicle on a highway. That includes texting, reading or sending data, searching the internet and engaging in other nonvoice communications.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 3,208 people were killed, and more than 315,000 were injured in crashes involving distracted drivers in 2024.
Law enforcement officials are encouraging drivers to eliminate distractions before getting behind the wheel. They recommend pulling over to a safe location before reading or sending text messages, asking a passenger to handle calls or messages when possible, activating a phone's "Do Not Disturb" feature or silencing notifications, and storing phones out of reach to reduce temptation.
Officials also encourage passengers to speak up if they see someone using a phone while driving and ask them to put it away.
Participating agencies said they will continue enforcing traffic safety laws and educating the public throughout the year as part of ongoing efforts to reduce crashes and improve safety for drivers, passengers and pedestrians.
