Mesquite Police Department Cell Phone Enforcement

Between April 8-14, 2019 officers with the Mesquite Police Department will be focusing their traffic enforcement efforts on drivers who are using cell phones and

handheld devices while operating a vehicle. Officers will be in both marked and unmarked vehicles to enforce the cell phone law specifically in high pedestrian areas

such as school zones and intersections with crosswalks.

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According to NRS 484B.165, a driver is not to use a cell phone or electronic device without hands-free technology while operating a vehicle, even while at a stop sign or

stop light. This includes talking on the phone and texting. Sending or reading a text takes your eyes off the road for about 5 seconds. At 55 mph, that's like driving the

length of an entire football field with your eyes closed.

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According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), cell phone use while driving is one of the most prevalent causes of distracted driving. In 2015 there

were 391,000 people injured in auto accidents involving distracted drivers nationwide,and 3,450 people were killed in 2016 in accidents involving distracted drivers.

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The Mesquite Police Department is committed to the safety of the drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians on the city’s roadways. Lieutenant Tracy Fails, who is coordinating this

event, said “with this enforcement event our goal is to focus on safety around our school zones and other pedestrian crossings. We also want to re-educate drivers on the hazards

of using a cell phone while operating a vehicle and remind drivers that operating a vehicle safely is everybody’s responsibility”.

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