Las Vegas, NV– In an effort to save lives, the Nevada Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to slow down. As part of Joining Forces, a statewide law enforcement program, additional law enforcement officers will be working overtime through Jan. 21 enforcing speed limit laws.

Many make New Year’s resolutions that last a couple day, weeks or even months, but this is one that should be made and stuck to for life. Speed plays a major factor in serious injuries and fatal crashes. When the speedometer goes up, so does the possibility of tragedy occurring.

NHP Trooper Chelsea Stuenkel stated that, “Most drivers have heard the slogan ‘speed kills’ but it seems that the motoring public tends to forget the reality of that message. Speed does kill when it comes to motor vehicle crashes and our goal is to increase the public perception of the dangers of speeding on our roadways.”

Most motorists, however, do not believe speeding is as risky as other behaviors, but according to NHTSA, the consequences of driving too fast include:

–Greater potential for loss of vehicle control

–Reduced effectiveness of occupant protection equipment

–Increased stopping distance when the driver perceives a danger

–Increased crash severity, leading to more debilitating injuries or death

–Unexpected economic and psychological implications of a speed-related crash