Message of the Week 03/08/2024
Throughout the year, the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office has received multiple messages and comments in regards to our DUI arrests. Complaints and comments such as, “Solve real crimes” “Make real arrests” “It’s not that big of a deal” and multiple other comments. Many of these comments are made on mugshots of those arrested for DUI. I can assure you, the comments aren’t taken seriously by the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office. I’ve met with, and spoken with, numerous community members throughout Lyon County over the past year, and I am confident this is not the sentiment of the community.
The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office regards driving under the influence of alcohol, illegal drugs and prescription drugs as a serious crime. When a person makes a conscious choice to get behind the wheel of a vehicle while impaired, they become an extreme risk to this community. The DUI driver puts every other person on the roadway at risk of losing their lives.
No moral argument exists to justify driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If a person is arrested for DUI, probable cause exists that the person arrested committed the crime. In the case of DUI, probable cause is established through signs of impairment. Impairment is determined by a series of tests, and detection methods.
31% of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers (with BACs of .08 g/dL or higher). In 2021, there were 13,384 people killed in these preventable crashes. 56% of drivers involved in fatal crashes, tested positive for at least one drug.
- Plan your safe ride home before you start the party, choose a non-drinking friend as a designated driver.
- If someone you know has been drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help them arrange a sober ride home.
- If you drink, do not drive for any reason. Call a taxi, a ride-hailing service, or a sober friend.
- If you’re hosting a party where alcohol will be served, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.
- Always wear your seat belt — it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.
- If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement. Your actions could help save someone’s life.
- Please see the attached chart regarding alcohol effects on the body.
Sheriff Brad Pope
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