LCSO Sheriff Brad Pope’s Message of the Week: May 10, 2024

Message of the Week 05/10/2024

The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office participated in an event with the Office of Traffic Safety focusing on distracted drivers. The event took place from April 1st through April 20th and lasted a few hours on various days in that date range.

With the overwhelming focus on drivers who are using their cellphones while driving:

“Distracted driving is any activity that diverts attention from driving, including talking or texting on your phone, eating and drinking, talking to people in your vehicle, fiddling with the stereo, entertainment or navigation system — anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving.

Texting is the most alarming distraction. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that’s like driving the length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.

You cannot drive safely unless the task of driving has your full attention. Any non-driving activity you engage in is a potential distraction and increases your risk of crashing.

Using a cell phone while driving creates enormous potential for deaths and injuries on U.S. roads. In 2022, 3,308 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes involving distracted drivers.”

-NHTSA

The statistics from this event are:

Traffic Stops: 201 Total
DUI Arrest: 1
Other Arrests: 4
Citations Issued: 193 (Speeding, seatbelt, distracted driver and other offenses)

Throughout our communities, traffic complaints remain the number one complaint the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office receives. The statistics suggest that a much higher percentage of citations were issued during this event than previous events. The Lyon County Sheriff’s Office understands our roadways need enforcement action on a consistent basis, and we are working diligently to provide the highest level of service to our communities, while also responding to calls for service.

In reference to calls for service, our monthly average monthly response times remain positive, and reflect a quick and professional response from our Deputies. Weather is warming up, more people are on the roadways, and we also see a spike in calls for service related to crimes being committed. I know the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office staff is geared up and ready to go for the warmer weather!

Respectfully,

Sheriff Brad Pope