NEVADA – As Memorial Day approaches on May 25, marking the start of the “100 Deadliest Days” between Memorial Day and Labor Day, the Nevada Zero Fatalities Program urges drivers to practice safe roadway habits. This period has historically been one of the most dangerous on Nevada roadways, particularly for teen drivers, who are three times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash compared to adults.
With many new drivers hitting the road for the first time during summer break, the Nevada Zero Fatalities program is encouraging all motorists to exercise caution and drive safely with the following tips:
Safety Tips for Teens
· Don’t Drive Distracted – Nearly six out of ten teen crashes involve some form of distraction. Teen passengers are the leading source of distraction, followed by cell phones and infotainment systems. Drivers are urged to put away their cell phones, focus on the road and avoid all distractions. All passengers in the vehicle should also avoid behaviors that may take the driver’s attention away from driving.
· Avoid Speeding – Almost 30 percent of fatal teen crashes involve excessive speed. Speeding reduces reaction time, increases stopping distance and increases crash severity. Drivers should obey posted limits, adjust speed for road and weather conditions and avoid following other vehicles too closely.
· Don’t Drive Impaired – Impairment continues to be a leading factor in fatal crashes, making up 51 percent of Nevada’s total fatalities from 2018-2022. Drivers should never get behind the wheel impaired and should use a designated driver or rideshare if needed.
· Wear a Seatbelt – Seatbelt use significantly reduces the likelihood of serious injury or death. Seatbelts must be worn in both the front and back seats. Buckling up takes only a few seconds and is the single most effective way to protect those involved in a crash.
Safety Tips for Parents
· Lead by Example – Parents should model good driving behavior by avoiding distractions, obeying speed limits and always buckling up. Teens often adopt driving habits from their parents, so it is crucial that parents display safe and responsible driving behavior at all times. Parents can also provide their teens with at least 50 hours of supervised driving practice, offering them proper experience driving in diverse conditions that range from night-time to highways and busy streets.
· Defensive Driving Refresh – Encourage teens to anticipate hazards, stay alert, and maintain a safe following distance. Safe driving recommendations are constantly being updated, and it may prove beneficial for parents to take a refresher course to remain up to date with driving techniques. For example, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has endorsed a hand-to-hand steering technique, rather than the previous recommendation of keeping your hands at “10 and 2.”
With Memorial Day approaching, the Nevada Zero Fatalities Program has partnered with Lyft to offer those celebrating with a code, providing them with a safe form of transportation. The promotion code SAFERIDEMEMORIAL provides $5 off rides on Memorial Day from May 25 at 12 p.m. through May 26 at 4 a.m. The offer is valid for up to 300 riders and is limited to one redemption per rider.
Heading into the 100 Deadliest Days, Nevada has already seen 105 deaths this year. The Nevada Zero Fatalities program is reminding Nevadans that the roadways are a shared responsibility and any number of roadway fatalities other than zero is unacceptable. For additional information on the Zero Fatalities program, please visit ZeroFatalitiesNV.com.
About Zero Fatalities
Nevada’s Zero Fatalities Program is all about eliminating fatalities on Nevada roadways. Some people may think zero is an impossible goal, but when it comes to your family and friends, what other number would be acceptable? We’re aiming for zero because everyone matters. The road to zero targets key behaviors like buckling up, being pedestrian and motorcycle safe, eliminating impaired driving, focusing on the road, and stopping on red.
To learn more about Nevada traffic safety, log on to www.zerofatalitiesnv.com. Follow Zero Fatalities on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Media Contacts
Kirvin Doak Communications
ZF@kirvindoak.com
Anita Pepper, Public Information Officer
State of Nevada | Department of Public Safety | Office of Traffic Safety
a.pepper@dps.state.nv.us
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