NHP urges motorists to slow down, take the extra time during July 4 holiday
CARSON CITY — In an effort to save lives, the Nevada Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to slow down. As part of Joining Forces, a statewide law enforcement program, additional law enforcement officers will be working overtime now through July 13 enforcing speed limit laws.
Many families will be traveling the highways to celebrate the July 4th holiday. Let’s work together and take the extra time to arrive safely at your destination. Speed plays a major factor in serious injuries and fatal crashes. When the speedometer goes up, so does the possibility of tragedy occurring.
“The faster you go, the less time you have to react. As your speed increases, so does the risk of serious injuries in a crash. While Nevada law enforcement continues to conduct traffic stops on a daily basis for a multitude of violations, the focus of those two weeks is looking for drivers exceeding the speed limit.”
Most motorists, however, do not believe speeding is as risky as other behaviors, but according to NHTSA, 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 crash severity, leading to more debilitating injuries or death
— Unexpected economic and psychological implications of a speed-related crash
— Trooper Matt McLaughlin is a Public Information Officer for the Nevada Highway Patrol. He can be reached at mmclaughlin@dps.state.nv.us