Las Vegas NowNumber of Fatalities Rise in Las Vegas in 2006

Number of Fatalities Rise in Las Vegas in 2006

The closer it gets to New Year's Eve, the more dangerous valley roads may become.

So far, 2006 is shaping up to be another record-breaking year for fatal accidents. Right now, there are 282 on the books, compare that with 265 fatal crashes in 2005. And law enforcement says the number of fatal crashes normally increases during the week between Christmas and New Year's.

Fatalities are slightly higher pretty much across all local law enforcement agencies.

North Las Vegas investigated 29 fatal accidents up to this point this year, up from their record 18 last year. And Nevada Highway Patrol recorded 93 fatalities so far for 2006 up from 89 in 2005.

The remaining 160 fatal crashes across the Valley are between Metro's jursidiction and Henderson with Metro having the bulk of those numbers.

Sgt. Edward Lattin, with Nevada Highway Patrol, in part, blames the valley's population growth on the rise of fatal crashes. "The population increase of the valley has certainly increased the number of crashes taking place out there and people there's more vehicles on the roadway and unfortunately crashes occur with more population," he stated.

NHP, North Las Vegas Police, Metro, and Henderson Police will work together to make sure there are plenty of officers on the streets to ensure this New Year's Eve is a safe one on valley roads.

In fact, all NHP troopers, without exception, will be working from Dec. 29th until New Year's Day.

And while the probability the valley will have more fatal accidents before the end of the year is high, NHP says you can help them keep valley roads safe by driving defensively, wearing your seat belt and most importantly making sure you have a designated driver on New Year's Eve if you plan to have a few drinks.

E-mail your comments to Reporter Ashanti Blaize.