LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — In the last 6 weeks, 20 road users have died from crashes in our area, more than double the number of fatal crashes in 2020.
“The numbers are upsetting, they're unsettling," said Sgt. Paul McCullough with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
RELATED: Nevada Highway Patrol joining forces to help keep pedestrians safe
"When we look at our year to date, right now we're seating at 59 fatalities compared to 41," he said. "We're only six months through the year."
That’s why the Vulnerable Road User Project, among other local entities like UMC Trauma and LVMPD, is asking both drivers and pedestrians to plan their trips to maximize safe travel, expect the unexpected, pay attention to the road and do everything they can to avoid more fatalities.
The Department of Public Safety says crashes were up 93% ad fatal crashes were up 113% when compared to the same time last year.
Since the beginning of the year, there have been 79 total crashes in Clark County with 86 fatalities. That is a yearly increase of 31%.
“It’s alarming. That is literally the tip of the iceberg," said Dr. Deborah Kuhls, a surgeon at UMC Trauma.
"There are many, many, many more times patients -- who live and who I take care of in the intensive care unit -- we hope will have a meaningful life," said Dr. Kuhls. "But long term, their lives are really, really tough.“
So far this year in Clark County, 26 pedestrians have died followed by 17 motorcyclists and 3 bicyclists.
The month with the lowest traffic fatalities so far for 2021 was February with 22.
From June 7 through June 21, law enforcement across the state are joining forces to enforce pedestrian laws. That means both pedestrians and drivers will be ticketed for breaking Nevada's pedestrian laws.
