As numbers continue to be finalized regarding traffic fatalities on Nevada roads in 2022, one thing has become clear—2022 was one of the deadliest years ever on Nevada roads. The adjusted report, which was first published in August of 2023 revealed 416 traffic deaths in the state, which is an increase of thirty-four from the initial 382 deaths from early reporting in January. This is in part due to delays in reporting from various traffic agencies, having to wait for toxicology and coroner reports, and The Department of Public Safety has noted that numbers will not be finalized until later this year, or even early 2024
These latest numbers make 2022 the third deadliest year on Nevada roads, since these statistics began being recorded in 1991. The only years with more fatalities were 2006, where there were 432 deaths, and 2005 with 427 deaths [1]
An Update on 2023 Traffic Fatalities So Far
In comparison to 2022, 2023 is trending downward in traffic fatalities. The latest monthly report released, for August 2023, reported that there were 250 deaths on Nevada roads. This is down seven percent from 268 during the first eight months of 2022.
Of this total, Southern Nevada makes up most of these fatalities—Primarily Clark County with 158 fatalities in the first eight months of this year. Nye County has seen a three hundred percent increase in traffic deaths, seeing a jump from six deaths to twenty-four thus far in 2023.
Despite this decrease in traffic fatalities, pedestrian fatalities have risen by fifteen percent this year, with sixty-one fatalities in 2023, in comparison to the fifty-nine in the first eight months of 2022. However, motorcycle and bicyclist deaths are down by twenty-four and twenty-two percent respectively. In addition, fatalities involving other vehicles like ATV, mopeds, and scooters are up thirty-three percent this year (3 deaths in 2022 to 4 deaths thus far in 2023).
Deaths related to unrestrained motor vehicles (those not wearing a seatbelt) have decreased this year with forty-four deaths, compared to sixty-one in 2022. While this decrease is undoubtedly a good sign, it is still concerning since wearing a seatbelt is one of the easiest ways to prevent death and serious injury. The National Highway and Safety Commission has also noted that the leading cause of fatal crashes in Nevada remains traveling above posted speed limits and driving under the influence.
Traffic Safety Tips to Keep in Mind the Remainder of 2023
With only three more months left in 2023, we have the opportunity to end the year with less fatalities than the last. Doing so means that we are responsible and mindful whenever we are behind the wheel. While controlling the action of other motorists on the road is impossible, we can take simple precautions and adopt defensive driving practices so that we reduce our chances of being involved in a fatal accident, regardless of who is at fault.
- Expect Drivers to Make Mistakes on the Road—it’s inevitable that someone makes a mistake on the road. Instead of getting angry or surprised when this occurs, be prepared, and expect it to happen.
- Slow Down—as mentioned earlier, driving above the posted speed limit is one of the leading causes of fatalities in Nevada. Nationally, speeding results in more than 10,000 deaths on the road (or about ten percent of all fatal accidents across the country). Driving fast decreases your ability to stop, and results in a bigger impact in the event of a crash.
- Use Your Seatbelt—this is one of the most basic pieces of advice, but unfortunately it is one that is not always headed. The National Safety Council states that wearing a seatbelt alone can reduce your risk of injury in a crash by nearly fifty percent. The National Safety Council stated that wearing a seatbelt saved nearly 15,000 lives in 2020 alone. [2]
- Keep a Safe Following Distance Between Yourself and Other Drivers—The National Highway and Safety Administration estimates that one-third of all traffic accidents are a result of tailgating and are preventable with proper distancing [3]. Especially with winter coming up, it is important to adjust the following distance in accordance with the weather conditions.
- Don’t Get Behind the Wheel When Impaired—The National Highway and Safety Administration estimates that thirty-two people are killed in DUI accident daily across the country. [4] It is important to assess yourself honestly before getting behind the wheel, and even something simple like cold medicine can impact your ability to drive. Remember that if you plan to go out, using a designated driver or a ride sharing service can save you and others on the road.