Nevada Traffic Fatalities Rise in First Quarter of 2012
CARSON CITY, Nev. – The Nevada Departments of Public Safety and Transportation are reminding motorists to always drive safely after Nevada traffic fatalities rose by nearly a third in the first three months of 2012 compared to the same time last year.
Preliminary numbers show that 57 traffic fatalities occurred on Nevada roads in the first quarter of 2012, an increase of 11 deaths over the same time last year.
“One death on Nevada roads is absolutely too many, and we are working together to reach zero fatalities,” Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) Director Susan Martinovich said. “Safety stakeholders across the state are implementing strategies to save lives. But, traffic safety ultimately relies on each and every driver.”
“Wearing a seat belt is critical, every trip, every time,” explained Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP) Trooper Chuck Allen. “The two seconds it takes each vehicle occupant to buckle up may end up saving a life or reducing the level of injuries sustained during an unplanned event. Also, don’t drive impaired and always designate a safe and sober driver. Pay attention at all times while driving, whether it’s for pedestrians, at intersections or for anything else that may happen on the road. Lastly, minimizing distractions while driving maximizes the safety of each journey.”
Overall, Nevada traffic fatalities dropped to 246 in 2011 after reaching an all-time high of 432 in 2006 when the Nevada Strategic Highway Safety Plan was developed. The plan brings Nevada traffic and safety advocates together to implement strategies for cutting the yearly traffic fatality average in half by 2030, with the ultimate goal of zero traffic deaths on Nevada roads.
“Nevada’s Zero Fatalities traffic safety goal is about making a decision each time you’re on the road as a driver, bicyclist or pedestrian,” said Traci Pearl of the Nevada Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety. “How many deaths are OK in your family circle? Zero. It’s about deciding to always drive safely for yourself, your family and everyone else on the road.”
Motorists should always follow these safe driving tips:
Buckle Up/Click It or Ticket: Nearly 50 percent of fatality crashes that Nevada law enforcement agencies investigated this past year involved unbuckled vehicle occupants. It only takes two seconds to click your seat belt, and the life you save might just be your own.
Don’t Drive Impaired/Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving: On average, more than 50 people are arrested for driving under the influence every day in Nevada. A first DUI arrest will likely result in a 90-day loss of driving privileges, an impounded vehicle, legal fees, court fees, two days in jail and attendance at a Victim Impact Panel, with harsher penalties for subsequent offenses.
Be Pedestrian Safe: To date in 2012, there have been 12 pedestrian deaths on Nevada roads, double the number from the same time last year. Pedestrians should always cross safely, making eye contact with drivers, and drivers should always look for and yield to pedestrians.
Stay in Your Lane/Eyes on the Road: Distracted and/or sleepy driving are just one of the factors that can lead drivers to unintentionally leave their lane. Put away the distractions and drive with your full attention.
Stop on Red: In a recent five-year span, 467 people died in Nevada intersection crashes. Whether at a traffic signal or stop sign, always stop on red!
Take it Slow in Ice and Snow: In the winter of 2010-2011, as many as 800 vehicle crashes statewide were caused by unsafe driving behaviors in wet and snowy conditions, such as driving too fast for conditions and following too closely.
To learn more about Nevada traffic safety, log on to http://www.zerofatalitiesnv.com or call (775) 684.7470.
- Carson City
- $12
- Advocates
- carson
- City
- day
- Death
- deaths!!!!
- died
- driver
- drivers
- Driving
- dui
- event
- Family
- fatalities
- highway
- Ice
- learn
- Legal
- life
- May
- NDOT
- Nevada
- Nevada Department of Public Safety
- Nevada Department of Transportation
- Nevada Highway Patrol
- News
- NHP
- panel
- Pedestrian
- public
- Public safety
- Red
- Safe
- safe and sober
- Safety
- Show
- Snow
- state
- Traffic Safety
- vehicle
- Winter
- law enforcement
- Traffic