Reflecting on 2023 Traffic Safety: An Improvement Over 2022, Yet Among the Deadliest in Two Decades

As we continue into the new year, it’s fitting to look back on the past year’s traffic safety landscape. In late January, Zero Fatalities, an organization in Nevada dedicated to reducing road fatalities, shared some initial statistics for the previous year. While the number of crash-related deaths decreased by 7% compared to 2022, 2023 still marked the second deadliest year on the state’s roads since 2006. [1]

Although Nevada saw an overall reduction in traffic fatalities, certain counties experienced increases, particularly in pedestrian deaths. Nye County, the largest in size, witnessed a significant rise in fatalities, reaching thirty deaths compared to thirteen in 2022-an alarming 123% increase.

Statewide, pedestrian deaths increased by 16% from 2022, with Clark County reflecting a 15% surge, totaling eighty-two deaths compared to seventy-one the previous year. On the plus side, Nevada did see declines in other areas including motorcyclist and cyclist fatalities, as well as deaths of unrestrained passengers. Motorcyclist deaths declined by 26%, cyclist deaths by 20$, and unrestrained deaths by 23% statewide.

While these figures are preliminary and subject to change until finalized in late 2024, Anita Pepper, spokesperson for Zero Fatalities, emphasizes that while there’s some improvement over the prior year, the numbers remain “way too high.” Factors such as driving under the influence, distracted driving, and unrestrained passengers continue to be leading causes of fatal traffic accidents in Nevada, all of which are largely preventable.

Law Enforcement Plans for 2024

Looking ahead to 2024, the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety aims to maintain efforts to combat both DUIs and distracted driving. Twenty-seven law enforcement agencies across the state of Nevada will participate in ongoing traffic safety initiatives throughout the year. Additionally, the state has secured a grant to bolster support for DUI court proceedings and conducts studies through the University of Nevada, Reno, to address speeding in school zones.

The studies conducted through the University of Nevada, Reno, to address speeding in school zones encompass a multifaceted approach aimed at comprehensively understanding and effectively mitigating the risks associated with excessive speed near educational institutions. These studies typically involve collaborative efforts between academic researchers, traffic safety experts, and local authorities, with a focus on gathering empirical data, analyzing traffic patterns, and devising targeted interventions.

1. Traffic Analysis: Researchers may conduct detailed traffic analyses within school zones to assess prevailing speeds, traffic volume, and other pertinent factors. Through the use of advanced data collection techniques such as traffic cameras, radar guns, or automated traffic counters, they gather quantitative data to characterize the nature and extent of speeding behavior.
2. Behavioral Surveys: To gain insights into the underlying motivations and attitudes driving speeding behavior, researchers may administer surveys or conduct interviews with drivers, parents, school administrators, and other stakeholders. These surveys aim to elucidate factors such as awareness of speed limits, perceptions of risk, and attitudes towards compliance with traffic regulations.
3. Infrastructure Evaluation: The studies may involve assessments of existing infrastructure within school zones, including signage, crosswalks, traffic signals, and physical traffic calming measures. Researchers evaluate the effectiveness of these infrastructure elements in moderating vehicle speeds and enhancing pedestrian safety.
4. Simulation Modeling: Utilizing advanced simulation modeling techniques, researchers simulate various scenarios to assess the potential impact of different interventions on speeding behavior and overall traffic safety within school zones. These simulations help identify optimal strategies for reducing speeding and improving road safety.
5. Intervention Development: Based on the findings from traffic analysis, behavioral surveys, infrastructure evaluation, and simulation modeling, researchers collaborate with local authorities and community stakeholders to develop evidence-based interventions tailored to address specific challenges within school zones. These interventions may include targeted enforcement strategies, educational campaigns, infrastructure improvements, or innovative technology solutions.

Overall, the studies conducted through the University of Nevada, Reno, represent a proactive and data-driven approach to addressing speeding in school zones, with the ultimate goal of creating safer environments for students, pedestrians, and motorists alike.

In Southern Nevada, Las Vegas Sheriff Kevin McMahill has expressed intentions to install speed and red-light cameras within the Metropolitan Police Department’s jurisdiction. He believes this measure could enhance oversight and provide continuous coverage when officers aren’t present, potentially leading to a decrease in fatalities. However, implementing such cameras would necessitate changes in Nevada state laws and require persuasion of organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union, ensuring privacy protections for Nevadans. [2]

Additional Emphasis on Preventing Distracted Driving

As distracted driving remains a prevalent concern, Nevada law enforcement state that it’s crucial to address behaviors beyond just phone use while driving. Eating, interacting with passengers, drowsiness, or adjusting car settings can all contribute to distractions and compromised road safety. Implementing strategies such as turning off phones, enabling hands-free options, avoiding eating while driving, and making vehicle adjustments before starting the journey can help mitigate distractions and promote safer driving practices.

To ensure safe driving, it’s crucial to minimize distractions. Here are some key tips:

1. Silence Your Phone: Keep your phone out of sight or silence it to resist the urge to check it while driving. Consider using apps that block notifications for added peace of mind.
2. Go Hands-Free: If your car has Bluetooth capability, use it for hands-free calls to avoid reaching for your phone.
3. Eat Before You Drive: Opt for non-messy snacks and meals before hitting the road to prevent distractions and spills.
4. Prepare Before You Go: Adjust your mirrors, seats, climate control, and GPS settings before starting your journey to minimize distractions while driving.
5. Calm Passengers, Calm Ride: Encourage passengers to keep noise levels down and avoid distracting behaviors. If you need to attend to children or pets, pull over safely first. [3]

[1] https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/news-columns/road-warrior/2023-was-one-of-deadliest-years-on-nevada-roads-in-2-decades-2989817

[2] https://www.reviewjournal.com/crime/sheriff-wants-both-red-light-speed-cameras-in-las-vegas-2983696

[3] https://exchange.aaa.com/safety/distracted-driving/tips-for-preventing-distracted-driving/

Originally published at https://www.bensonbingham.com on April 4, 2024.