University Police Services recently received a $12,000 grant from the Nevada Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety to support participation in Joining Forces traffic safety campaigns during the coming year.

Joining Forces is a high visibility, multi-jurisdictional statewide effort to increase safety on Nevada's roads by increasing enforcement and awareness of traffic laws. The goal is to reduce crashes and save lives by focusing on impaired driving, distracted driving, seat belts, speed and pedestrian safety.

Thanks to this grant award, University Police Services will be able to team up with other area jurisdictions for a number of Joining Forces events from October 2018 through September 2019.

"Last year, 311 people died on Nevada's roadways, and over 37,000 deaths were recorded nationwide," Assistant Vice President and Director of Police Services Adam Garcia said. "People often complain about traffic enforcement and suggest that police should focus on ‘real crimes,' but in terms of saving lives, traffic enforcement is one of the best tools we have."

Law enforcement personnel will enforce traffic safety laws year-round as part of their commitment to reduce crashes and save lives. As part of this effort, University Police will also continue to provide traffic safety education and information on and around campus.

"Whether you're the driver, a passenger, or a pedestrian, University Police Services reminds everyone to make safety on our roadways a top priority," Garcia said.

For more information, please contact University Police Services at 775-784-4013.