NHP increasing patrols during holiday weekend

With impaired driving and riding a top traffic problem for Nevada, Nevada Highway Patrol is working in conjunction with agencies statewide aligned with Joining Forces to boost enforcement efforts through Jan. 3.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has found that drivers at a breath alcohol level of 0.08 percent, the legal limit in every state, were about four times more likely to crash than sober drivers. Drivers with an alcohol level of 0.15 percent were 12 times more likely to crash than sober drivers. Marijuana users were about 25 percent more likely to be involved in a crash than drivers with no evidence of marijuana use.

To achieve the zero fatalities goal, drivers and riders are encouraged to know the law for blood alcohol levels and to abide by the following guidelines:

·      designate a sober driver before drinking;

·      use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member or use public transportation if impaired;

·      take advantage of local sober ride programs;

·      call 911 if a drunken driver is spotted on the road;

·      take the keys or assist in making other arrangements for someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired.