NHP: Cellphone and text law for drivers begins Oct. 1
By Trooper Chuck Allen / Nevada Highway Patrol
CARSON CITY — Senate Bill 140, which was passed this year during the 2011 Legislative Session and signed by Governor Brian Sandoval on June 17, goes into effect Oct. 1, 2011. This new law prohibits the use of a cellular phone or other handheld wireless communications device while operating a motor vehicle in certain circumstances. This is a primary law which means that officers do not need to observe a separate violation before initiating a traffic enforcement stop.
To help educate the motoring public and to create as much awareness about this important law, traffic enforcement officers who observe this violation may initiate a traffic stop; however, no citations for using this hand held device may be issued until January 1, 2012.
As we approach the 3-day Independence Day holiday weekend, more traffic is expected on our highways. Drivers who minimize their distractions and focus on their driving at all times will greatly reduce the chance of an unplanned event. To put this into a numerical perspective, there are more than 3,500 distraction-related crashes in Nevada every year, and more than 60 deaths in the past 5 years. Additionally, there is no way to calculate how many close calls have been caused by distracted driving. Across the nation in 2009, 5474 people died on US roadways while another 448,000 were injured in motor vehicle crashes reported to have distracted driving involved.
Although SB 140 doesn’t go into effect until October 1, motorists who currently communicate without a hands free device should plan on adjusting their habits now in an effort to comply with the new law in October.
Have a safe and enjoyable holiday weekend and don’t forget to buckle up.
— Trooper Chuck Allen is the public information officer for the Nevada Highway Patrol
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