Nevada traffic fatalities increased in 2012

March 13, 2013

Since 2006, Nevada law enforcement officials and the Nevada Department of Transportation have focused on reducing the number of fatalities caused by motor vehicle accidents in the state. The ultimate goal -- outlined after auto accident fatalities and injuries reached record highs in 2006 -- is to try to eliminate motor vehicle fatalities on Nevada roads.

Unfortunately, the data from 2012 has revealed that the number of traffic fatalities in Nevada actually rose during the past year. According to the Nevada Department of Transportation and Department of Public Safety, there were 12 more fatalities in 2012 than the year prior. In total, 258 people died in motor vehicle accidents in Nevada in 2012.

Due to the increase in traffic fatalities, officials are placing renewed emphasis on the Nevada Strategic Highway Safety Plan. In order to realize the goal of zero fatalities on Nevada roadways, officials have outlined methods to make incremental reductions over time, including increased:
- Enforcement
- Emergency medical services
- Education

Currently, the Nevada Department of Transportation is focused on achieving a 50 percent reduction in the number of traffic fatalities by 2030.

What are some of the common causes of fatal auto accidents in Nevada?

In order to reach this goal, Nevada officials have identified certain situations in which fatal accidents are more likely to occur. Nevada residents can make efforts to avoid severe collisions by refraining from certain behaviors and taking extra precautions in some circumstances.

To begin with, Nevada motorists should never get behind the wheel if they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Law enforcement officials estimate that over 50 Nevada drivers are arrested daily for driving under the influence.

In addition, motorists in Nevada should always be particularly cautious when operating a motor vehicle around pedestrians and in intersections. The number of pedestrian fatalities in Nevada rose in 2012 -- from 46 in 2011 to 58 in 2012. The majority of the pedestrian fatalities were in Clark County, where an increase was also observed. In 2011, 30 pedestrians were killed in Clark County -- in 2012, that figure rose to 42.

Nevada officials have also noted that intersections are especially dangerous for motorists. Over a five-year period, there were 467 fatalities caused by motor vehicle accidents that occurred in Nevada intersections. Consequently, Nevada drivers should take extra precautions when approaching intersections and always abide by traffic signals.

Finally, both drivers and passengers alike should always wear a seatbelt when traveling by car. Failing to buckle up can be the difference between life and death -- as approximately 50 percent of all fatal collisions in Nevada involve an individual who was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

When a loved one is lost in a fatal motor vehicle accident in Nevada, the family is entitled to bring a wrongful death action against the responsible party for the suffering experienced by the lost loved one, along with the grief, sorrow, loss of support, companionship, comfort, and consortium experienced by his or her legal heir(s). If you are faced with such a situation, consulting with an experienced, Clark County personal injury attorney will ensure your rights are protected.

Article provided by Henness & Haight, Injury Attorneys
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