26-04-2025
Summer heat in Las Vegas brings roadside hazards as cars stall out; NDOT has safety reminders
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — Stephen San Filippo with Nevada Department of Transportation's Freeway Service Patrol embraces his job. He helps people who break down on the side of the road, but often he must brace for his own life.
'There was one time I was going to put out cones and I had to jump over the wall to avoid being hit. So far, my car has been hit twice,' San Filippo said.
Due to so many close calls, NDOT released a video montage highlighting the problem. One video shows a car that crashes into another car and then takes off.
With summer around the corner, the heat means more vehicles could stall out, so more service calls are expected. San Filippo said he sees a lot of charging system issues and broken belts, and drivers running low on motor oil.
For assistance, motorists can reach out to the Nevada State Police Highway Patrol at star (*) 647. It's a free service and they will even move your car to a safer location.
Nevada State Police Sgt. Chris Brown reminded drivers of the 'Move Over Law,' which requires drivers to get in another lane to give space for vehicles stopped on the side of the road.
'Anytime you see flashing lights on the shoulder, you are required to slow down and move over. This law saves lives. And we've seen way too many construction workers, troopers and officers killed because people don't move over and slow down,' Brown said.
San Filippo said the moment you see a stranded car on the side of the road, make it a priority to move as far away from it as safely possible.
'There are times where these drivers come through and are looking at their phones. Some of them fall asleep, and then some of them are DUI and putting all of us at risk. It's becoming very concerning,' San Filippo added.
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