2009 fatalities lowest since 1986

Nevada traffic fatalities were the lowest in more than 20 years during 2009, thanks in part to multi-agency traffic safety initiatives.

Douglas County mirrored the state's figures with the lowest number of fatal accidents in four years.

Since 1977, Nevada has had only one year, 1986, that had a lower number of traffic fatalities than the 243 people killed in 2009. The last year that Nevada had fewer than one million people in population was 1986. For comparison, there were 23.4 fatalities for every 100,000 people living in Nevada in 1986. In 2009, that rate was 8.4 people. Douglas County's death toll exceeds the state rate.

"This decline in fatalities is due to several factors, foremost the partnership of agencies throughout the state that conduct engineering, enforcement, education, and emergency medical system solutions to combat the problem," says Director Jerry Hafen of the Nevada Department of Public Safety. "In addition, car manufacturers are making safer cars, and people are driving less during this recessionary economy."

Through DPS-Office of Traffic Safety's Joining Forces program, the Nevada Highway Patrol and all of the state's local law enforcement agencies are involved in a consistent, coordinated effort to improve traffic safety on Nevada's roadways.

Another statewide traffic safety initiative is the Nevada Strategic Highway Safety Plan. Overseen by the Nevada Department of Transportation, the plan has brought Nevada traffic and safety agencies together to implement strategies to reduce traffic fatalities since 2006 when the state realized its highest number of motor vehicle fatalities at 434.

"This is truly a multi-agency initiative," Transportation Director Susan Martinovich said. "With the support of Gov. Jim Gibbons, NDOT is pleased to be a part by building safer roads with centerline rumble strips, cable median barriers and other safety features. But, safety is ultimately the responsibility of every motorist, and buckling up, following the speed limit and always driving attentively and safely is what will allow us all to arrive home safely."