Impaired drivers cause fatal traffic crashes; Carson City Sheriff's Office ramps up enforcement
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Wed, 02/03/2021 - 3:15pm
The Carson City Sheriff’s Office is joining forces with other Nevada law enforcement agencies from Feb. 4 through Feb. 13 to enforce impaired driving laws and keep impaired drivers off of Nevada roadways.
It doesn’t take much to be an impaired driver. Use of illicit drugs or misuse of prescription drugs can make driving a vehicle unsafe — just like driving after drinking alcohol. Nationwide, statistics show that on average about 44 percent of drivers involved in fatal crashes tested positive for drugs.
Not only is alcohol and illegal drug use a cause of impairment, legally prescribed medication use can lead to impaired driving. If you are using legally prescribed medication and driving you could be charged with driving under the influence.
Nevada Revised Statute 484c.110 makes it illegal to drive or be in actual physical control of a motor vehicle while under the influence of any controlled substance. This includes prescription medications.
If you do use prescribed medications, create social strategies to prevent having to be behind the wheel.
— Use a designated driver, taxi, public transportation.
— Have items delivered, many companies will deliver food and supplies.
— Discuss the risks with your friends and family.
Any death caused by impaired driving is 100 percent preventable; make the right choice, drive safe, drive sober.
The Carson City Sheriff’s Office remains dedicated to bringing the number of fatalities on our roadways to zero through increasing public awareness about the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. More information about safe driving and the state’s Zero Fatalities goal is available online at www.ZeroFatalitiesNV.com.
The Nevada Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) provides funding for law enforcement agencies to participate in Joining Forces to reduce traffic deaths and injuries on Nevada roadways. Visit www.zerofatalitiesnv.com for more information.
