The Nevada Highway Patrol is stepping up enforcement on I-80 between Sparks and USA Parkway after a rise in crashes along the corridor.
Sgt. Chris Brown, public information officer for the Nevada Highway Patrol, told 2 News Nevada that the increase in crashes between Vista Boulevard and USA Parkway over the past few years concerns both the community and law enforcement. The patrol is working to increase its presence throughout the area to deter reckless driving.
Brown said a leading cause of crashes is drivers not leaving enough space between their vehicle and the one ahead. Many of the crashes troopers see involve people driving recklessly and rushing to get home, according to the 2 News report published Wednesday, Nov. 4.
"A driver has a responsibility to make sure that they're leaving an appropriate distance so that they can stop in time," Brown said. He referenced a violation called "Due Care," which holds that a driver has a responsibility not to hit or crash into something.
Brown urged drivers to stay off their phones and scan the road ahead for brake lights, flashing emergency lights and other hazards. He also recommended checking headlights and turn signals frequently, especially as days get shorter and darkness arrives earlier.
"It only takes one accident to really lock up that corridor," Brown said. He added that drivers can help by leaving plenty of following distance and making sure their vehicles are safe to be on the road.
The increased patrols coincide with Crash Responder Safety Week, which runs Nov. 2 through Nov. 6. Gov. Joe Lombardo proclaimed the week to recognize first responders who work on Nevada's roadsides, according to the Nevada Department of Transportation. Nevada law requires drivers to slow down and move over for law enforcement and traffic response vehicles.
Traffic incidents are the leading cause of death for police officers and emergency medical responders nationwide, with 36 roadside first responders struck and killed on the nation's roads last year, according to NDOT.
Brown said he hopes drivers understand the stronger patrol presence on I-80 is there to help protect them during their commute. Sparks-area drivers using the Vista Boulevard-to-USA Parkway stretch can expect to see more troopers on the road.
