Traffic deaths in Nevada rose in 2014

Preliminary data released today by the Nevada Departments of Public Safety and Transportation show that there were 284 traffic fatalities in the state in 2014, up by 18 deaths from the prior year.

Even though the crash fatalities are far below the state's high in 2006 of 432, the previous downward trend has been reversed the past few years.

“These are so much more than numbers. Every death and serious injury on Nevada roads is a tragedy,” Nevada Department of Transportation Director Rudy Malfabon explained. “That is why the state’s traffic safety goal is zero fatalities, and that’s why transportation, safety, enforcement and other groups continue working together to implement life-saving road safety advances.”

Traffic fatalities in many rural counties have increased, with a more than 200 percent jump seen in Churchill, Lander, Storey and Humboldt counties. Pedestrian and motorcycle-related deaths have also risen, with a nearly two-percent increase in motorcycle fatalities and one more pedestrian death than 2013.

The Nevada Strategic Highway Safety Plan brings Nevada traffic and safety advocates together to implement enforcement, engineering, emergency medical and educational strategies for cutting the yearly traffic fatality average in half by 2030, with the ultimate goal of zero fatalities on Nevada roads. This year, additional pedestrian crossing countdown signals, more highly-visible stop signs and many other safety enhancements have been put in place. Numerous road safety audits have been undertaken to enhance specific roadways and motorcycle safety was added as a critical emphasis area within the state’s Strategic Highway Safety Plan. In addition, zero fatalities public education campaigns have reached 95 percent of Nevadans and helped to educate about traffic safety.

“Ultimately, reaching zero fatalities relies on each and every person on the road,” Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Loy Hixson added. “That’s why we want to remind everyone to focus on the road and share the road.”