92°F
weather icon Clear

I-11 is NOT the Autobahn

When the I-11 highway opened almost six years ago, it alleviated much of the heavy traffic congestion through Boulder City. But this beautiful expanse of open road brought with it a sense that “opening up” and putting the pedal to the metal is OK. It’s not.

Boulder City Police Department is “Joining Forces” once again with participating law enforcement agencies in Nevada for a Joining Forces Speed Awareness Campaign. The campaign is taking place from June 5 – June 21, 2024.

From 2018 to 2022, there were 505 speeding-related fatalities in Nevada, with 350 occurring in Clark County. In fact, speeding is one of the biggest contributors to fatalities on Nevada’s roadways. In 2022, speeding killed 12,151 people nationwide — accounting for 29% of total traffic fatalities.

I-11 is a well-designed roadway with no sight restrictions or hard curves, but the collision rate and fatality rate are quite high. When you speed, your ability to steer safely around another vehicle, a hazardous object, or an unexpected curve is reduced. Officers see vehicles travel in excess of 100 mph on I-11 several times a week. At speeds like that, one small move can have devastating impacts. As a result, Boulder City first responders have seen far too many fatal accidents on the highway.

Speeding isn’t just about going faster than the posted speed limit. Speeding includes driving too fast during bad weather conditions such as rain, ice, and snow and jeopardizing your safety and the safety of others on the road. That’s why it’s so important to educate motorists during those high-profile campaigns.

The Joining Forces Speed Awareness Campaign aims to increase law enforcement participation and public safety by coordinating highly visible patrols across the state of Nevada with the goal of raising awareness, educating the motoring public, and saving lives. The Nevada Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) provides funding for law enforcement agencies to participate in Joining Forces to reduce traffic deaths.

Speeding is more than just breaking the law. The consequences are far-ranging:

■ Greater potential for loss of vehicle control.

■ Increased stopping distance after the driver perceives a danger.

■ Increased degree of crash severity leading to more severe injuries.

Boulder City Police Department remains dedicated to bringing the number of fatalities on Nevada’s roadways to zero through increasing public awareness about the dangers of speeding, driving unrestrained, impaired driving, distracted driving and more. More information about safe driving and the Nevada Zero Fatalities goal is available online at www.ZeroFatalitiesNV.com.

THE LATEST
Stuff I learned from my dad

It is that time of year in Newspaper World when we are going back through issues from the past year trying to decide what, if anything, is worth submitting for the annual Nevada Press Foundation Awards.

State veterans’ memorial still in f lux

Last month I wrote about a possible move of the veterans’ memorial from its long-time location adjacent to the Grant Sawyer building to the veterans’ cemetery in Boulder City.

Not on my turf

In early April, the City Council heard a presentation by Lage Design about staff’s recommended option to remove 35% of the turf at the Boulder City Municipal Golf Course.

New law shapes golf course design

I like golf. While I was in college, I decided to take a class in golf – you could call it a “golf course” course. I figured it would be a great way to relax, enjoy nature, and (maybe) boost my grade point average at the same time! For a semester, I learned the basics: how to drive, chip, putt. It was enjoyable. Many of my classmates that semester had been golfing for years. They were better than me, but I was determined to get a good grade out of the class.

The art of communication in consciousness

For Memorial Day I am exploring human consciousness with you. Many misunderstandings have been fought over the lack of a mutual perspective among the parties involved. What better gift is there than one that assists in the art of communication? My work in formulating the discipline of Aquarian Theosophy has led me to the following understanding of humanities’ reality; consciousness is the basis of understanding.

Alumni events, marriage and a real Nazi

Ron’s column from a few weeks ago inspired me to tell a story about a weird event from my past. Mine is not as exciting as his in that there is no wrestler named Silo Sam. But there is at least one Nazi. And, no, not the current “I disagree with your politics so you are a Nazi” version. An actual card-carrying member of the party.

Las Vegas Veterans’ Memorial to Boulder City?

Veterans’ memorials can be found all over the Silver State. They are well deserved. They honor individuals who served the nation, and also commemorate battles and events regarding the many military anniversaries in Nevada.

City manager bids fond farewell

I may be leaving Boulder City, but it was not an easy decision. From the first time I came in and met the staff and community leaders, I saw a city filled with people who truly care about where they live and work. I am grateful for the opportunities I have had to work with some incredible people.