Douglas, Lyon sheriffs watching for distracted drivers

Deputies from Douglas and Lyon counties will be on the lookout for distracted drivers over the next two weeks.

“Northeastern Nevada has seen a large amount of fatal accidents that have involved pedestrians,” Douglas County Sheriff Ron Pierini said. “Being distracted increases your chances of being involved in any type of accident.”

Sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. Pat Brooks pointed out that Nevada law clearly prohibits any use of a handheld electronic device—cell phone, mp3 player, GPS device while driving.

Nevada’s ban on handheld devices while driving went into effect three years ago and still law enforcement continues to spot and cite offenders every day.

Brooks said the increased enforcement isn’t just limited to cell phone use behind the wheel. Surfing the Internet, using a GPS or changing the song on an mp3 player are all illegal distractions taking motorists’ eyes off the road and causing crashes.

The two jurisdictions are participating in the Distracted Driving mobilization period partially paid for by a grant from the State of Nevada, Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety.