Prior to the beginning of May, and nearing the end of the first half of 2024, Nevada traffic officials announced that Clark County roadways have seen a 65% increase in traffic fatalities compared with this time in 2023 (32 more fatalities than 2023). Since the beginning of 2024, there have been seventy crashes in the state, which has resulted in a total of eighty-one deaths.
The Nevada Department of Public Safety also noted a 47% increase in fatalities statewide, with ninety-seven deaths. Twelve of those deaths were unrestrained passengers, and thirty-seven deaths were pedestrians. [1] Thirty-three of the pedestrian deaths occurred in Clark County, nearly a 95% percent increase from 2023.
Clark County Sheriff, Kevin McMahill, stressed the severity of these statistics, noting that once again these deaths are very avoidable—as with last year, speeding and impairment remain the top contributing factor to fatalities. In an appearance with Nevada Public Radio, McMahill reiterated law enforcement’s commitment to a reduction of these avoidable fatalities stating “We are frankly tired of scraping people up off the streets in Las Vegas” [2].
However, while there has been a two-hundred percent increase in issued traffic citations in Southern Nevada, there has not been a corresponding decrease in fatal accidents. McMahill and Nevada State Police are still hopeful that traffic operations and resulting citations can eventually result in a decline in fatalities. In Mid-April, the Nevada State Police teamed up with Henderson Police to conduct a traffic operation in areas with the most traffic violations, something they identified by the use of Freeway Arterial System of Transportation. During the operation, a total of 116 citations were handed out, many of which were for running red lights and speeding. Other more uncommon violations included failure to yield, driving without insurance and driving without licenses.
McMahill also notes the importance of advocacy and awareness when it comes to decreasing fatal accidents, something he hopes traffic operations can bring. He notes that when citizens are aware of traffic stops and operations occurring in a certain area, they are more likely to be more careful in those areas. In addition, knowing what behaviors law enforcement are targeting with these traffic operations, can put Nevadans on notice, thus leading to overall more cautious and safe driving practices.
At the end of the day, responsibility of driving safely lies to those on the roads, and it is important to be aware of safe driving practices. According to data compiled by the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, most drivers on Nevada roads are between the age of 35 and 49, meaning that for many, it has been between twenty and thirty years since they have taken their driver’s test (Nevada law requires someone to be sixteen years of age to get their driver’s license). [3] This gap in time can result in forgetting some of the nuances of traffic laws, and can also result in reduced caution while on the road. The following are some important driving tips that can maybe refresh your memory:
[3] https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/ohim/hs00/dl22.htm
[4] https://www.nationwide.com/lc/resources/auto-insurance/articles/driving-safety-tips
Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers
Summerlin Location
11441 Allerton Park Dr #100
Las Vegas, NV 89135
Phone: 702-684-6900
Fax: 702-382-9798
Downtown Location
626 S 10th St
Las Vegas, NV 89101
Phone: 702-382-9797
Fax: 702-382-9798
Henderson Location
9230 S Eastern Ave #155
Las Vegas, NV 89123
Phone: 702-463-2900
Fax: 702-382-9798
Reno Location
1320 E Plumb Lane Ste A
Reno, NV 89502
Phone: 775-600-6000
Fax: 702-382-9798
Joseph L. Benson II, and Ben J. Bingham, Personal Injury Attorneys
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