2018 Road Crash Report: Deadliest year for motorists on Nevada roads since 2008
There were over 331 fatalities on the Nevada roads in 2018, up 6.4 percent over 2017’s reported deaths, according to data derived from the state Department of Public Safety.
That was the largest fatality count in the past decade, according to Andrew Bennett at the Department of Public Safety.
“In 2008 we were at 324, then we dropped to the mid 200s from about 2009 to 2013 and we then we saw a steady climb into the 300s in 2014,” Bennett said. “So, 331 is on the high end in the last decade, but we have seen a 4 percent population growth over the past two years in the state as well.”
“Whether folks want to or not, it’s currently a secondary law in Nevada,” Bennett said, referring to the fact that officers only cite drivers for not wearing seat belts if they are stopped for another infraction. “Making it a primary law is something we’ve been pushing for a while now. I don’t want to point specifically to Nevada not having it as a primary law, but I do believe it is a factor.”
August was the deadliest month of 2018, with a record 37 fatalities on Nevada roads while April had the lowest monthly toll with only 18 reported deaths.
That said, pedestrian deaths had an 18 percent decrease in Nevada, going from 98 in 2017 to 80 in 2018, which was the first state-wide decline in almost ten years.
“Even though 80 is 80 too many, we are encouraged we dropped almost 20 percent year-over-year,” – Andrew Bennett.
“The decrease in pedestrian fatalities can be attributed to that plan working,” he said. “The Nevada Department of Transportation and all the jurisdictions have done incredible pedestrian safety improvements. We’re doing some real innovative classes with folks that get jaywalking tickets in the judicial process.”
Bicycle accident deaths also decreased, falling from 9 in 2017 to 8 in 2018.
Among the 292 fatal crashes in Nevada in 2017, 82 of them were caused by the negligent driver being under the influence of a substance of some sort.
Related: Las Vegas Car Accident Reports
If you or a loved one has been injured on the Nevada roadways and are seeking compensation for your accident-related injuries, please do not hesitate to contact our Las Vegas car accident lawyer at (702) 800-0988 for a free, no-obligation case review. If we cannot help you, we will point you in the best direction for your specific needs!
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