Police around Las Vegas valley will focus on those not focused on driving

Joining Forces campaign targets distracted drivers through September 1

Law enforcement agencies across the Las Vegas valley are intensifying their efforts to combat distracted driving with a coordinated enforcement campaign that kicked off Thursday, August 14, and will continue through September 1.

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, alongside other valley law enforcement agencies, announced the Joining Forces Distracted Driving Campaign aimed at reducing the alarming number of crashes and fatalities caused by drivers who aren’t paying attention to the road.

The deadly toll of distraction

The campaign comes in response to sobering statistics that highlight the dangers of distracted driving. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, distracted driving resulted in more than 3,300 fatal crashes nationwide in 2022, with an additional 289,000 people injured in distraction-related accidents.

“Keep in mind that sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that is the equivalent of driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed,” Metro officials warned in their announcement.

What constitutes distracted driving

Distracted driving encompasses far more than just cellphone use. Law enforcement will be watching for drivers engaged in any activity that takes their attention from the road, including:

• Texting or talking on cellphones
• Eating or drinking
• Talking with passengers
• Adjusting the stereo or navigation system
• Personal grooming
• Reading
• Any other activity that diverts attention from driving

Nevada’s strict laws and penalties

Nevada law makes it clear that physically handling a cellphone or other electronic device while driving is illegal. This includes:

• Talking on a handheld phone
• Texting or messaging
• Going online
• Programming a handheld GPS
• Playing music on a device

The law applies even when stopped at a red light. Fines for violations range from $50 for a first offense to $250 and a potential six-month license suspension for subsequent offenses within a seven-year period. Penalties may be increased if the violation occurs in a work zone.

Drivers are permitted to use hands-free devices or in-car systems that operate on voice commands, including navigation systems that are affixed to the vehicle.

Local statistics paint troubling picture

Nevada has shown some concerning trends when it comes to distracted driving:

• Men aged 26-30 represent the largest number of victims in fatal distracted driving crashes
• 58% of distracted driver fatal crashes in Nevada are single-vehicle crashes
• Crashes between vehicles and pedestrians or bicyclists are the most common type of distracted driving fatal crash

Recent data shows that while Nevada has made some progress in reducing overall traffic fatalities, distracted driving remains a significant concern, particularly in high-traffic areas like Las Vegas.

Enhanced enforcement efforts

During the campaign period, participating law enforcement agencies will coordinate highly visible patrols throughout the valley. Officers will be specifically looking for signs of distracted driving and will not hesitate to issue citations to violators.

The Joining Forces initiative is a grant-funded program through the Nevada Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety that promotes traffic safety across the state. Multiple jurisdictions participate in these campaigns throughout the year, focusing on different aspects of dangerous driving behavior.

Tips for staying focused

Law enforcement officials offer these recommendations for avoiding distractions while driving:

• Turn off your phone or switch it to silent mode before getting in the car
• Place your phone in the glove compartment or center console to avoid temptation
• Use apps that block incoming calls and texts while driving
• Pull over to a safe location if you must handle an urgent matter
• Secure pets properly before driving
• Address children’s needs before starting your trip or pull over safely
• Finish eating before getting behind the wheel

The bigger picture

The distracted driving campaign is part of Nevada’s broader Zero Fatalities initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic deaths on the state’s roadways. With Las Vegas experiencing an average of 56 crashes per day and Nevada’s traffic fatality rate ranking as the 6th highest in the nation, the need for focused enforcement and public awareness has never been more critical.

As the campaign continues through September 1, drivers are urged to keep their focus on the road and remember that no text, call, or distraction is worth risking lives. The message from law enforcement is clear: when you’re behind the wheel, driving should be your only priority.

Image Sources: https://www.8newsnow.com/news/police-around-the-las-vegas-valley-will-focus-on-those-not-focused-on-driving/

Category: Traffic & Roads
Subcategory: Traffic Safety
Date: 08/13/2025