NHP reports zero fatalities on Nevada highways over July 4 holiday weekend
Motorists statewide took heed of messaging and partnerships from Nevada law enforcement agencies: As of Tuesday state public safety officials report that during the 2016 Independence Day holiday weekend there were no crash related fatalities on Nevada’s highways.
It has been more than 10 years since Nevada has had this kind of zero fatalities success. From 2012–2014 during the 4th of July holiday there were two fatal crashes each year. Last year there were five fatal crashes over 4th of July holiday weekend, according to the Nevada Department of Public Safety and the Nevada Highway Patrol.
Last Thursday the agencies partnered with UBER, an online based transportation network, and MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Driving, in an effort to raise awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence and to offer solutions to drinking and driving. UBER announced that it would offer discounted ride promo cards to everyone throughout Nevada where UBER operates from Thursday, June 30 through Tuesday.
The NHP handed out the discount cards during traffic stops and explained the alternatives to drinking and driving to include UBER, a designated driver, a taxi or bus.
“We are always advising people what they should and should not do on Nevada’s highways in order to keep themselves and everyone else safe, now we are very pleased to say 'Thank You' Nevada and its visitors for celebrating responsibly over of the 4th of July Holiday,” said NHP Northern Command Major Andy McAfee.
"We are thrilled with the data indicating there were zero traffic fatalities over the July 4th weekend in Nevada for the first time in over 10 years. We are proud to have partnered with the Nevada Department of Public Safety to warn of the risks of impaired driving and increase awareness of safe alternative transportation options, like UBER," said Maui Orozco, a spokesperson for UBER.