Nevada’s fatal accidents down nearly 15 percent

Motorcycle fatalities also fall in Clark County, but rise 11.8 percent statewide

Monday, Jan. 5, 2009 | 5:48 p.m.

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Nevada Department of Public Safety

A state report released today shows fatal crashes were down nearly 15 percent statewide in 2008.

Nevada drivers reduced their fatal crashes from 341 in 2007 to 300 in 2008, according to the Nevada Department of Public Safety and Office of Traffic Safety's final fatal analysis reporting system.

That reduction in fatal traffic collisions resulted in 53 fewer lives being lost on Nevada roadways in 2008, the report said.

In Clark County, including Las Vegas, the reduction was 20.2 percent, meaning that 198 people died in fatal crashes compared to 248 in 2007, said Trooper Kevin Honea, spokesman for the Nevada Highway Patrol.

Motorcycle fatalities were up 11.8 percent statewide, with 57 in 2008, compared to 51 in 2007, but Clark County recorded six fewer deaths, 35 in 2008 and 411 in 2007 for a 14.6 percent reduction.

Pedestrian deaths, however, increased in Clark County, from 44 in 2007 to 45 in 2008, a 2.8 percent increase. Statewide, one less pedestrian died, 54 in 2008 and 55 in 2007.

Those who died in crashes and who were not restrained also dropped 13 percent statewide.

Analysis of alcohol-related crashes in 2008 has not been completed, Honea said, but it is estimated that they went down nearly 20 percent.

The drop was most dramatic when comparing statewide fatal accidents, which fell from 431 in 2006 to 320 in 2008.

Through the Joining Forces grant program, 24 agencies partner to receive overtime grant money throughout the state to conduct enforcement for violations known to cause crashes, Honea said, including DUI saturation patrols and checkpoints, Click it or Ticket seatbelt patrols, and pedestrian and speed reduction events.