Nevada Strategic Highway Safety Plan improving public road safety

June 22, 2013

Nevada Strategic Highway Safety Plan improving public road safety

Article provided by Jason Cook Attorney P.C.
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In an effort to encourage Nevada drivers to follow road safety and lower the number of car accidents, a number of organizations, including the state's Department of Safety, has adopted the Nevada Strategic Highway Safety Plan. In Nevada each year, an average of 325 people die in car accidents and many of these crashes can be avoided.

The plan is a combination of statistics analysis and corrective action and so far, the partnership which includes law enforcement, road engineers, educators and emergency responders, seems to have had a positive effect on the state. Since adopted by the state in 2006, fatalities and serious injuries from car accidents have decreased noticeably but there is still more to be done.

Zero fatalities

According to the zero fatalities campaign, over 90 people have died in car accidents in Nevada so far this year. One of those accidents was allegedly caused by an 18-year-old who was suspected to be under the influence of alcohol according to U.S. News. Five members of a family died and the other two victims were seriously injured when the teen rear-ended their van with his SUV in Clark County. Five of the victims were not wearing seatbelts, according to law enforcement.

The zero fatalities campaign focuses on educating the public to the dangers of the following issues:
-Impaired driving
-Lane departures - usually caused by distracted driving
-Seatbelt law
-Pedestrian safety
-Stopping for red lights at intersections

These messages are being delivered to the public in hopes of encouraging them to make better choices such as putting their seatbelt on, avoiding buzzed driving and not using their cell phones while behind the wheel.

Increased Patrols

In Clark County, the issue of running a red light has become such a problem that the Nevada Highway Patrol will be increasing the number of patrols on the roads according to 8 News Now. Recently, over a thousand citations were issued to people who were caught ignoring red lights.

Many people don't even slow down either. Law enforcement said that vehicles were traveling at regular speed, putting themselves and others at risk of suffering a serious injury or being killed. They are hoping that the increased surveillance of these intersections will encourage drivers to stop and follow the law.

Victims' rights

When someone has been injured in a car accident because of another driver's actions, they have the right to seek compensation from that person. Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost income, vehicle damage and other expenses the victim may have suffered as a result of the crash. An experienced car accident attorney can help you determine how much to ask for and help you get the financial assistance you need.