Deaths on Nevada roads down 39 percent in August

Nevada made it through the bulk of the so-called 100 deadliest days on roads with consecutive monthly drops in crash-related fatalities.

In August, there were 21 fatal crashes resulting in 22 deaths, representing a 34 percent and 39 percent decline, respectively, from August 2018, the Department of Public Safety announced Monday.

The August drop followed an 18 percent drop in July, a 41 percent decline in June and a 23 percent dip in May.

“We are encouraged to see four consecutive months of declining fatalities in comparison to 2018,” said Andrew Bennett, department spokesman. “Our office celebrates each life saved and strives to achieve zero fatalities every day. This year’s 100 deadliest days resulted in fewer lives lost on our roadways than in recent years.”

For the year there have been 168 fatal crashes, a 17 percent drop from the 202 crashes seen through August 2018. Crash deaths are down 24 percent, from 226 through August 2018 to 172 during the same time frame this year.

The promising stats likely were tied to more Nevadans wearing seatbelts, slowing down and driving sober, Bennett said.

Stats back up Bennett, as unrestrained passenger deaths are down 44 percent through August, with 33 crash-related deaths tied to occupants not wearing safety belts, compared with the 59 seen through August 2018.

Clark County has also seen declining numbers through August, as there have been 113 fatal crashes resulting in 114 deaths. The numbers represent a 22 percent and a 29 percent decrease year over year.

“The office of traffic safety will now refocus our education and enforcement efforts for the upcoming holiday season,” Bennett said.

Contact Mick Akers at makers@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2920. Follow @mickakers on Twitter.