Nevada traffic deaths increase slightly in 2012

Associated Press

Sunday, Jan. 13, 2013 | 4:09 p.m.

RENO — Traffic deaths rose slightly in Nevada last year, but serious-injury accidents dropped dramatically and the number of fatalities still remain nearly half as low as they were six years ago.

The Nevada Department of Public Safety and Transportation reports 258 fatalities on Nevada roadways last year. That's 12 more than the year before, but still 40 percent lower than the 432 deaths in 2006.

Serious traffic injuries dropped from 1,222 in 2011 to only 725 last year. That's also a 40 percent decline.

Nevada Highway Patrol Trooper Jeremie Elliot says a lot of the credit goes to seat belts. He says that statistically speaking, buckling up is one of the most important things anyone can do to save lives. About nine out of 10 Nevadans wear seat belts.