Trooper Dan Gordon

Carson City Motor Unit at a 2016 Joining Forces event. File photo by CCSO (retired) Sgt. Scott McDaniel
Carson City Motor Unit at a 2016 Joining Forces event. File photo by CCSO (retired) Sgt. Scott McDaniel

Over the next two weeks and especially this Friday, St. Patrick’s and through the weekend, motorists in Carson City, Reno, Douglas, Lyon and Churchill counties can expect to see additional law enforcement presence.

Nevada Highway Patrol has joined forces with law enforcement agencies throughout the state to concentrate on impaired driving, and has an important message for the public: Don’t rely on the luck of the Irish, if you drive impaired, you will be arrested.

If you are going to drink, don’t drive. Even “buzzed” driving is drunk driving. Call a cab, take a bus, call a sober friend. Don’t put yourself or anyone else in danger.

In efforts to achieve “Zero Fatalities” this St. Patrick’s Day, drivers and riders are encouraged to abide by the following guidelines:

— Designate a sober driver before drinking;
— Use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member or use public transportation if impaired;
— Take advantage of local sober ride programs;
— Call 911 if an impaired driver is spotted on the road;
— Take the keys or assist in making other arrangements for someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired.

Joining Forces enforcement is paid for by Nevada-Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety.