24-05-2025
100 Deadliest Days: Summer months bring spike in Las Vegas traffic fatalities
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — As the country kicks off summer with Memorial Day weekend, road safety experts are sounding the alarm about a deadly seasonal trend that takes thousands of lives each year.
Spanning from Memorial Day to Labor Day, this period marks the most dangerous time of year on U.S. roads, with a sharp increase in traffic fatalities, especially among teen drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, this 100-day stretch historically sees a significant spike in fatal crashes, often fueled by a deadly mix of distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving.
During this stretch, a deadly mix of more vehicles, less supervision, and distracted or impaired driving makes for a perfect storm. It is a grim reminder that the freedom of summer can come at a devastating cost. It is something Annette Barrera knows all too well.
'Unfortunately, I spent a good year and a half in the hospital recovering from the various injuries,' Annette Barrera, who was hit by a drunk driver when she was 18 years old, said.
During the '100 deadliest days' of 2024, at least 47 lives were lost on Clark County Roads. While Barrera is still recovering physically and mentally, she is moving forward with purpose, turning her tragedy into action.
She's working with MADD, better known as Mothers Against Drunk Driving, the goal: no more victims.
'There are other people on the road, there are other lives that can be affected. The ripple is grand,' Annette Barrera said.
Young and inexperienced drivers are among the most vulnerable during these summer months. With school out and more time spent behind the wheel, teens are at greater risk of engaging in risky driving behaviors. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that teen drivers are three times more likely than adults to be involved in a deadly crash.
While the official school year is over, it is important to remember that summer sessions will begin soon, and students will be out walking to and from school.
'Please remember that although summer vacation is starting for some it's not starting for everyone,' Clark County School District Police Lieutenant Bryan Zink said.
According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, teen drivers ages 16 to 17 are more likely to be involved in crashes compared to older drivers.
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