NORTH LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — One-third of fatal crashes nationwide involve speeding, a statistic that is prompting North Las Vegas police officers to crack down on aggressive drivers and speeders.
The NLVPD is currently increasing high-visibility patrols until March 13 for motorists exceeding the speed limit, as part of a Joining Forces campaign.
Speeding is common and so are the excuses. @NLVPD is halfway through the #JoingingForces Campaign, officers average 30-40 tickets during their 10hr shift. 👮🏻♂️@KTNV Full story at 5pm. pic.twitter.com/m7TIB1zx3I
— Cinthia Maldonado (@CinthiaKtnv) March 8, 2019
Joining Forces is a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement program funded by the Office of Traffic Safety, aimed at reducing injuries and crashes through statewide enforcement of traffic safety laws.
The goal is to save lives by increasing public awareness about the dangers of making poor choices while driving.
The Nevada Department of Public Safety reports high speeds have caused more than 40 traffic fatalities since the start of 2019.
Speeding is common and so are the excuses. @NLVPD is halfway through the #JoingingForces Campaign, officers average 30-40 tickets during their 10hr shift. 👮🏻♂️@KTNV Full story at 5pm. pic.twitter.com/m7TIB1zx3I
— Cinthia Maldonado (@CinthiaKtnv) March 8, 2019
13 Action News went on a ride-a-long with Officer Robert Kryszchk.
He said speeders on North Las Vegas roads are common and so are the excuses.
“[We] have to make as many stops as possible to enforce it that way everyone understands it's unacceptable," Kryszchk said.
In an hour, Officer Kryszck cited four people who drove more than 15 miles over the limit.
On Friday, NLVPD gave citations to 100 drivers for excessive speed.
"Now a days, it seems everybody is too concerned for just themselves, what they have going on, and there is no concern for other people," Kryszchk said.
He also said a swerve can turn a near miss into a crash or a fatality.
The NLVPD wants that statistic to be lower and is making an effort to stop aggressive drivers help prevent wrecks and save lives.
Five @NLVPD officers are enforcing the speed limit across North Las Vegas, it’s part of the #JoingingForces campaign. I’ll have the story at 5pm and 6pm @KTNV pic.twitter.com/3Mm5lWx8da
— Cinthia Maldonado (@CinthiaKtnv) March 8, 2019
"We are trying to make people aware that everybody needs to slow down. The faster [they] go the less control [they] actually have over the vehicle," Kryszchk said.
Sergeant Walker told 13 Action News his officers do not have a quota but average 40 tickets during a 10-hour shift.
“In all reality the purpose of this campaign is to protect the public and there's still people that really don't get it" Walker said.
The NLVPD did the same campaign in early February and officers made more than 340 traffic stops.
