This week we draw our attention to traffic safety for National Traffic Safety Awareness Month. According to Zero Fatalities, Nevada roads alone saw 317 fatalities in 2020. Despite a pandemic and fewer drivers on the road, this was higher than the 304 lives lost pre-pandemic.
In Southern Nevada, home to the Entertainment Capital of the World, our roadways are bustling with drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. The top contributing factors for fatalities on the road are speeding and driving while impaired. Fortunately, both of those factors are completely preventable with a few friendly reminders before you head out the door.
- Buckle up
- Buckling up is the most effective way to protect yourself in a car crash. Airbags alone are not enough to protect you and can even injure you if you are not wearing a seat belt. Seat belts reduce the risk of being injured or even dying by 50%, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Focus on the road
- It may seem easy to change the music on your playlist, text a friend or try to have a quick breakfast on the way to work. While all those are commonplace, they should not take place while driving. Use hands-free devices in the car and avoid multi-tasking when driving as it may take your attention away from the road.
- Slow down
- Speeding accounts for 1/3 of all traffic deaths in Nevada, according to Zero Fatalities. You have a greater chance of losing control of a vehicle the faster you drive as it takes a longer distance to stop. Remember that our roadways are not raceways.
- Watch out
- Just like drivers, pedestrians must obey all traffic signals as well. Remember to use pedestrian crossings and to make eye contact with drivers to ensure they see you.
- Wear a helmet if you ride a motorcycle
- According to the NHTSA, a majority of multi-vehicle motorcycle crashes are caused when drivers don’t see the motorcyclist. Motorcyclists are vulnerable on the road, so it is important to be alert and wear safety gear when riding.
National Traffic Safety Awareness Month is a good reminder to both new and experienced drivers to make safe decisions on the roadway to save lives.
For more information on how you can be safe on the road, head over to ZeroFatalitiesNV.com.
Looking for traffic alerts before you get in your car? The RTC offers up-to-the-minute alerts and information regarding traffic incident reports to help you plan your trip before you get in your car. Head over to https://www.rtcsnv.com/traffic-cams/traffic-alerts/ to sign-up.
