You can expect extra officers out on the roads in the days ahead. More than two dozen law enforcement agencies statewide are teaming up for the "Joining Forces" campaign, which focuses on speeding and distracted driving.
In the Truckee Meadows, Reno and Sparks Police, Nevada Highway Patrol, and Washoe County Sheriff's Office are on board. Deputies spent the day, near Rita Cannan Elementary School, pulling people over for speeding in a school zone.
"As a parent, if I had a child at this school, and knew that it was going to be enforced through speeding efforts, I would feel a lot more comfortable with my child being here, at this school," Deputy Armando Avina said.
One man was even arrested, after a routine traffic stop. The deputy pulled him over for speeding and found out that the driver had an outstanding warrant.
"Here, in this situation, where we had the traffic stop, one minor violation turned into somebody going to jail, as a wanted person. So, it is a part of enforcement as well," Avina said.
But speeding violations aren't the only focus. The hands free cellphone law has been in effect, since January First, and that is a big part of this campaign, too. Studies show texting while driving makes you four times more likely to have a car accident.
"It's almost like driving blind-folded," Avina said. "In a situation, like this, that's pretty much unpredictable, you never know when that person is going to walk across the street, while you're trying to send that text."
"It only takes a second or two of being distracted to not see a car, in front of you slow down for another reason and then we potentially have a two-vehicle accident," Trooper Chuck Allen said.
Nevada Highway Patrol Troopers say this grant supports extra patrols that are important -- not just to enforce the law but also to educate drivers. "Making them aware, more often, about what we're doing and what can be done out there to keep you and your family safe."
This campaign ends Sunday, meaning it will be happening throughout Hot August Nights. With more traffic around town, and hot weather that could cause some cars to overheat. So, law enforcement says it's even more important to pay extra attention to the drivers around you.
