No fatal crashes reported over Fourth of July holiday weekend in Nevada

RENO, Nev. (News 4 & Fox 11) — The Nevada Department of Public Safety reports that over the Fourth of July weekend, there were no crash-related fatalities on Nevada roads for the first time in at least 10 years.

There were five fatal crashes over the holiday weekend in 2015 and two fatal crashes over each holiday weekend from 2012 to 2015.

"Obviously Memorial Day starts the summertime but the real barometer or the real indicator is the Fourth of July weekend," Nevada Highway Patrol Lt. Kevin Honea said. "Hopefully this is something that can continue through Labor Day because I would like to see those numbers plummet even more over the summer."

Honea said there have been 13 fewer fatal highway crashes statewide so far this year, as compared to this time in 2015. He encouraged drivers to continue good habits beyond the holiday weekend.

"Utilize the same strategies that you did this weekend and let's try it again next weekend and the weekend after that," Honea said. "It would be very satisfying if we had no traffic-related fatalities for the remainder of the summer."

The Nevada DPS and NHP partnered with Uber and Mothers Against Drunk Driving this year in an effort to raise awareness of the dangers of DUI, and to offer solutions to drinking and driving.

Uber offered discounted ride promo cards to everyone in Nevada from Thursday, June 30, until Tuesday, July 5. NHP handed out the discount cards during traffic stops and explained the alternatives to drinking and driving -- including Uber, a designated driver, a taxi, or a bus.

An Uber spokesperson said more people used Uber over the Fourth of July weekend than any other weekend since the service was introduced to the area in 2015.