NHP addresses spike in fatalities due to excessive speed

The Nevada Highway Patrol is encouraging motorists to slow down in order to save lives. Law enforcement from around the state, including the Nevada Highway Patrol, will be working around the clock to urge drivers and riders to slow their speed.

There has been a recent spike in statewide fatalities, and because of this, agencies aligned with Joining Forces will be focused on enforcing speed limit laws through August 10.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Fatalities Analysis Reporting System (FARS), Nevada has seen in 10% increase in fatalities to date compared to the same time last year. The same data shows that the increase could have been avoided if motorists had adhered to posted speed limits.

Drivers and Riders should take extra care between the nighttime hours of 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. when visibility is decreased and the majority of speed-related fatalities occur. Unlawful speeds increase the potential for loss of vehicle control, reduce the effectiveness of occupant protection equipment, decreases stopping distance in instances of danger, and increases the degree of crash severity leading to more debilitating injuries.