According to the Nevada Department of Public Safety Fatal Accident Report, there have been 26 fatal traffic accidents resulting in 29 deaths in Washoe County so far in 2015. There have also been seven pedestrian deaths this year.

In response to these startling statistics, Police Services at the University of Nevada, Reno has partnered with the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety to help ensure the safety of students, faculty and the community in and around the University for years to come.

"The university community is growing at a steady pace, and that means we deal with a number of traffic problems on a daily basis," University Police Services Chief Adam Garcia said. "Near misses between vehicles and pedestrians is one of the most common complaints. We are also in an area where impaired driving is common. Grant funding from the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety allows us to focus on some of these problems."

Three projects funded through 2016 by the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety will better allow University Police Services to enforce traffic around the University.  

Joining Forces Program is a national initiative for increased enforcement of specific traffic violations including impaired driving, speed, pedestrian safety, seatbelt violations and distracted driving during a set calendar of events throughout the year. University Police Services, which received a grant for $11,350, will partner with other local agencies for these events which include checkpoints, saturation patrol or targeting of specific areas based on the amount of traffic or previous citations in those areas and number of complaints received.  

Pedestrian Safety Project is an educational campaign promoting safe practices by pedestrians and motorists to avoid distraction, use designated crosswalks and observe traffic laws to prevent motorist versus pedestrian collisions. This project will include the creation of a public service announcement, featuring university students and the Wolf Pack mascots, to run in local theaters this holiday season. More details and updates are available on the project's Facebook page. This project is funded through a $19,000 grant.  

Do the Ride Thing is an impaired driver prevention program, funded through a $33,476 grant. The program includes enforcement and education to prevent impaired driving or riding with impaired drivers. The Do the Ride Thing program offers incentives donated by local businesses for students who serve as designated drivers. Students can learn about the program through the website, beintheknowtoday.org, or by using the "Be in the Know" phone app available for iPhone and Android devices.  

"We never want to report the injury or death of a student, University employee or community member in our area of responsibility," Garcia said. "Most traffic crashes are preventable with careful attention to and observance of traffic laws. We have a longstanding partnership with the Office of Traffic Safety and we are pleased to have their support."  

For more information about this effort, contact Commander Todd Renwick at 775-784-4013. Information about Nevada Joining Forces can be found on the Nevada Department of Public Safety website:  http://ots.nv.gov/Programs/JoiningForces/.