Nevada authorities are taking part in another traffic-safety crackdown.
As part of an effort called “Joining Forces”, a statewide high visibility enforcement program, law enforcement agencies throughout Nevada are working overtime through Nov. 1 enforcing speed limit laws, the Nevada Highway Patrol announced.
“The Nevada Highway Patrol will be joining forces with local agencies in an effort to decrease vehicle speeds on the valley’s freeways,” an NHP statement said.
“During this event, if drivers are speeding they should look in their rear-view mirror because they will be seeing flashing red and blue lights,” the NHP added. “This event is to help achieve the ultimate goal of ‘Zero Fatalities’ on Nevada’s roadways.”
The NHP cited National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data showing that speeding killed 9,557 people in 2015.
“We all know the frustrations of modern life and juggling a busy schedule,” the NHP said. “But speed limits are there to protect you and others on the road. Speed also affects your safety even when you’re driving the speed limit but too fast for road conditions, such as during bad weather, when a road is under repair, or in an area at night that isn’t well-lit.”
The consequences of driving too fast include:
- Greater potential for loss of vehicle control
- Reduced effectiveness of occupant protection equipment
- Increased stopping distance when the driver perceives a danger
- Increased degree of crash severity leading to more debilitating injuries
- Unexpected economic and psychological implications of a speed-related crash