Less than twelve hours after posting graphics on social media highlighting an alarming increase in Southern Nevada traffic fatalities, Highway Patrol was on the scene of yet another deadly crash.
“This morning, I responded to yet another fatality at 5 a.m. Another life that was lost. Another family that's forever changed,” said Trooper Ashlee Wellman, public information office with Nevada State Police. “In the month of May alone, we saw such a dramatic rise in our fatality count, that it's left us now trying to figure out solutions on how to keep our community safe.”
Trooper Wellman said the fatal crash Friday morning involved a father and son. The father was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected.
In May 2022, the Highway Patrol Southern Command had two fatal crashes that led to three deaths. In May 2023, there were twelve crashes and 14 deaths. The sharp rise had led to dire and frustrated warnings from law enforcement.
“It's frustrating. Because if you knew—if you could turn back time—and not drive impaired, and put your seatbelt on, and if you knew the effect you were going to have on your family and your friends because we witnessed the ripple effect,” said Trooper Wellman. “We see the aftermath of your family showing up on scene being devastated and broken, and the community being devastated by your passing. And if you knew that you could prevent all that and that heartbreak. Why wouldn't you?”
All of this comes during the period known as the “100 Deadliest Days,” occurring between Memorial Day and Labor Day when the country sees a dangerous spike in teen traffic fatalities.
Trooper Wellman said she hopes their messaging gets ahead of it and saves some lives.
She said speed and impairment remain the top factors for deadly crashes.
“The only way to stop it and slow it down is if everyone is accountable for their own actions,” said Wellman. “And every time they get behind that wheel, they need to take a second to make sure, ‘Did I put my seatbelt on? Let me put my phone away. Let me make sure I leave early enough so I have enough time. So I'm not rushing and speeding to get to my destination.’’
And she stressed it should be obvious never get behind the wheel impaired, especially since there are so many alternative options these days such as rideshares.