Nevada, California Highway patrols increase presence on I-80

RENO — The Nevada Highway Patrol Northern Command is partnering with the California Highway Patrol’s San Francisco Bay Area and Sacramento divisions to participate in an Interstate 80 Initiative, according to a media release.

This effort will aim to reduce distracted and reckless driving along the 615 miles of Interstate 80 from San Francisco, California to West Wendover, Nevada from Monday through Sept. 3, the release said.

This effort coincides with the upcoming Nugget Rib Cook-Off in Sparks, Burning Man in the Black Rock Desert and the Labor Day holiday. During this time, motorists will see an increased number of state troopers on Nevada’s highways.

The NHP and CHP are joining with motorists to promote the “I-80 Initiative” by increasing awareness and safe driving along the route. During this time period, the NHP will increase traffic safety operations to educate and, if necessary, issue citations to drivers who violate traffic laws along the stretch of Interstate 80 that extends across 410 miles of Northern Nevada.

“Both agencies see tragic and senseless death and injury on Interstate 80 every day,” NHP Maj. Rob Stepien said in the release. “Many cases recently, being associated with reckless and distracted driving. Both agencies hope this unprecedented and focused team effort will be a wake-up call to all users of this important interstate that a moment of distracted driving can change their own and someone else’s life forever. These strategic combined efforts of both agencies will be the start of many more joint operations in the furtherance of safety.”

The NHP is reminding all motorists to drive safely. This includes always wearing a seat belt, driving at a speed safe for roadway conditions, eliminating distractions while driving, and always designating a sober driver.