NHP: Traffic violations, accidents down during Street Vibrations motorcycle rally
The 2014 annual Street Vibrations motorcycle officially came to a close on Sunday Sept. 28. Organizers expected between 50,000 and 100,000 participants. We do have a definitive number of participants but know that there was a phenomenal increase in highway traffic. Over the 4-day event that lasted from Thursday through Sunday, local residents saw an influx of motorcycle riders from all over the U.S.
The Nevada Highway Patrol had prepared for an increase in accidents on the highways which would include an increase in motorcycle accidents, but that was not the case. NHP reports that Troopers in the Reno-Sparks area investigated 19 injury accidents which included 1 that involved a motorcycle. They also investigated 34 property accidents with 4 involving motorcycles.
NHP conducted several stops for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) which resulting in 6 arrested being made. Two of the DUI’s involved motorcycle riders but both were outside of the Reno-Sparks area. One was in Carson City and the other was in Lyon County in the Moundhouse area.
Comparing the statistics for the same categories from last year’s Street Vibrations NHP saw a decrease in accidents and other traffic violations. Compared to last year’s Street Vibrations event Northern Nevada had rain and cooler temperatures settle in the area which is believed to have helped in the decrease of accidents. Most riders seemed to slow down and use extra caution while traveling the highways in the Reno-Sparks, Carson City and Virginia City areas.
The NHP considers this year’s event to be a success in regards to the zero fatalities campaign. NHP did not investigate any fatal accidents Northern Nevada during the Street Vibrations 4-day event.