Law enforcement statewide focus on distracted drivers

Courtesy Nevada Highway Patrol

Law enforcement agencies statewide will be Joining Forces and focusing on Distracted Drivers from February 1 through February 19, 2019. The Nevada Highway Patrol will be working diligently to urge motorists to keep your eyes on the road and put away cell phones or other items that cause distractions. Five seconds is the average time your eyes are off the road while texting. When traveling at fifty-five miles per hour, you are traveling the distance of a football field.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) continues to urge the motoring public to take the following safety precautions to minimize distractions while driving:

• Be a safe, distraction-free driver. Put your cell phone down and focus on the road;
• When using electronic devices for directions, set the destination prior to driving;
• Speak up when you’re a passenger and your driver uses an electronic device while driving. Offer to call or text for the driver, so his or her full attention stays on the driving task; and
• Always wear your seat belt. Seat belts are the best defense against other unsafe drivers.

“The Nevada Highway Patrol is reminding drivers that taking your eyes off the road for even one second can change your life or someone else’s life forever. While Nevada law enforcement conducts traffic stops on a daily basis for a multitude of violations, the emphasis for these weeks in February is distracted driving. Put down the distractions and Drive Safe, Nevada.”

For resources about distracted driving, visit http://www.distraction.gov/stats-research-laws/facts-and-statistics.html.

For more information on Joining Forces and other statewide traffic safety programs, visit http://www.zerofatalitiesnv.com.