Fatalities increased a bit in 2012

The number of people who died on Nevada’s roadways increased to 258 in 2012, 12 more than the 2011 total.But Nevada Department of Transportation officials say despite that increase, serious injuries were down in 2012 to 725 compared to 1,222 in the previous year.NDOT Director Rudy Malfabon pointed out that, even though the number of deaths rose between 2011 and 2012, the total number of fatalities is still far less than the 432 who died on Nevada’s roads in 2006.Malfabon said the state’s goal is to cut the number of annual fatalities in half by 2030, and ultimately to zero.In Carson City, there was only one fatal accident in 2012, although there were none in 2011. This number does not account for off-road fatalities, Sheriff Ken Furlong said.Pedestrian deaths are up for 2012 to a total of 58 statewide compared with 46 the previous year. Of the 2012 deaths, 42 were in Clark County.”It’s important that both drivers and pedestrians be safe and share the road,” said NHP Trooper Jeremie Elliot, adding that wearing a seat belt is one of the most important things a driver or passenger can do to reduce injuries and save their own life. He also said the cause of far too many accidents is inattentive driving.“It truly comes down to always focusing on the road and being safe while driving, walking or riding,” said Elliot.