Las Vegas police warn of dangerous trend on roads

LAS VEGAS (KLAS) – Law enforcement is urging the community to stay vigilant amid a startling rise in deaths on Las Vegas-area roads.

“Speed kills,” Leo Carr told 8 News Now.

Carr is one of many drivers sharing what he sees every day across Las Vegas.

“People not paying attention,” Carr explained. “Texting, not looking both ways.”

Multiple factors are leading to more crashes and lives lost, according to Las Vegas Metropolitan Police; the department is now sending a message to the community.

“On the scene of another fatal collision,” LVMPD Sergeant Rich Rundell said in an LVMPD video released on X of a deadly crash scene. “This one taking the lives of two of our community members.”

Thousands of crashes have been recorded across the valley in 2024, according to LVMPD statistics. The Spring Valley area command has seen the most, at1821.

More than 100 people have died in collisions across LVMPD jurisdiction so far this year and officers said many are preventable.

“This collision involves speed, excessive speed,” Sergeant Rundell said referencing a recent crash on Desert Inn and Paradise Roads. “So much so that this vehicle went airborne over 100 feet before landing.”

According to Metro police, deadly crashes caused by speeding are up 83% from this time last year, while hit-and-runs resulting in death also saw a 75% spike.

Statistics also show that 41 people died in DUI crashes so far this year within LVMPD jurisdiction.

Law enforcement is now urging everyone to take responsibility and stay vigilant behind the wheel.

“Slow your speeds down,” Sergeant Rundell said. “If you are involved in an accident, whether it’s minor or major, stop. “Don’t leave the scene.”

Carr told 8 News Now he echoes the same sentiment, asking others to be considerate and work harder to keep each other safe.

“We’re kind of like brothers and sisters with the way we share the road,” Carr concluded. “They need to slow down, save lives, and do better while they are on the road.”

Officers are also urging pedestrians and cyclists to be aware while asking people to never drive impaired.

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