LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — In recent years, Las Vegas has witnessed a troubling rise in deadly traffic crashes, prompting the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) to prioritize road safety through a three-pronged approach: engineering, education, and enforcement. With 163 fatalities reported on local roadways in 2025—tying with the deadliest year in two decades—there’s an urgent need to address reckless driving behaviors and improve road safety for all.
“The reality is, you’re more likely to die on our roadways than you are in a homicide,” remarked Lt. Cody Fulwiler of the traffic bureau, highlighting the severity of the situation. Fatalities have been steadily increasing since 2020, signifying that more needs to be done to protect drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike.
To facilitate awareness, the LVMPD recently conducted a hands-on educational demonstration to illustrate the effects of speed on stopping distance. Officers set up a mock 66-foot-wide intersection and ran vehicles through simulations at both 45 mph and 65 mph. The results were eye-opening: while an SUV could stop just at the edge of the intersection at 45 mph, it traveled well beyond the cones at 65 mph. “See how much farther they had to go outside that intersection?” questioned Michael Rose, a training officer with the traffic bureau, as attendees observed the stark difference.
Speeding is a significant concern, as many valley roadways are posted at 45 mph, yet officers frequently observe drivers exceeding this limit by 20 mph or more. This reckless behavior is met with immediate enforcement measures. The LVMPD employs tools like radar to clock speeds and issue citations on a regular basis as part of their daily traffic operations. “Enforcement is what our officers are doing every day,” affirmed Rose, emphasizing their commitment to reducing dangerous driving behaviors.
The second pillar, engineering, falls largely on local governments. Clark County and the City of Las Vegas are responsible for reviewing road design and other factors that play a role in setting appropriate speed limits. Ongoing discussions are taking place regarding potential changes that could enhance roadway safety. “We’re starting conversations and have been in conversations with our politicians and also the engineers,” Lt. Fulwiler stated, underscoring the importance of collaboration in addressing this pressing issue.
A major component of these initiatives is the Safe Streets for All Action Plan, launched by the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada. This collaborative effort involves local governments, law enforcement agencies, and community organizations aiming to create uniform roads across jurisdictions and emphasize engineering solutions that cater to all road users, not just drivers. “It’s about ensuring that every time we touch a road in our community, we’re right-sizing it,” explained Andrew Bennett, director of the Clark County Office of Traffic Safety. His comments during the initiative’s launch revealed a commitment to transforming roadways to better reflect surrounding land use.
In 2026, the LVMPD plans to intensify its efforts toward combating reckless driving. New initiatives will include specialized units and task forces dedicated solely to traffic enforcement. “There are some new things that we are doing, like the L.I.F.E Squad and the task force for sure, and a more agency-wide approach,” Fulwiler noted. Sheriff Kevin McMahill is also expected to unveil additional details during his upcoming State of the Department address, which may include plans to augment the traffic unit with more officers.
In an effort to bolster these measures, the Southern Nevada Traffic Task Force has been established, consisting of six agencies including the LVMPD, Nevada State Police, and Henderson Police Department. Since its announcement in December 2025, the task force has made significant strides in addressing traffic safety. Recent statistics shared by the Metro Police detailed their collaborative achievements: a total of 2,708 traffic stops, 3,089 citations issued, and 1,947 of those specifically for speeding—often a leading cause of traffic deaths in 2025. They have also towed 24 vehicles and made 20 arrests.
The aim behind these multi-faceted efforts is clear: prevent tragedies, slow down reckless drivers, and curtail dangerous behaviors before they result in loss of life. The LVMPD’s commitment to using engineering, education, and enforcement to combat traffic fatalities showcases a comprehensive approach to safeguarding our roads.