Traffic deaths down 19 percent in Clark County as state sees lowest death toll since 2021

Last year saw 381 traffic-related deaths on roads around Nevada, marking the first time since 2021 that the number did not surpass the 400 mark, while road deaths also fell locally.

In Clark County, there were 239 traffic deaths in 2025, down 19 percent from 2024’s 296 fatalities. Deaths of vehicle occupants fell by 29 percent last year to 85, compared with the 120 in 2024. Fatalities among those not wearing seat belts in vehicles dropped by nearly 6 percent, going from 36 in 2024 to 34 last year.

The 381 deaths around the state were caused by 361 fatal crashes, according to data released Wednesday by the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety. The total was 9 percent lower than the 420 people killed in crashes in 2024, and short of the 406 seen in 2023, the 416 in 2022 and the 385 deaths in 2021.

“This decrease shows progress in making Nevada’s roads safer, while reminding us that every death on our roads is one too many, and we still have much work yet to do to ensure everyone arrives home safe,” the state office of traffic safety said in a statement. “As we begin the new year, the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety reminds all drivers to practice safe driving year-round to prevent crashes, injuries, and fatalities on our roadways.”

A county traffic safety official said he was encouraged by the drop in road deaths in Southern Nevada.

“The 239 is still way too many, but I am encouraged to see we’re down significantly year-over-year,” said Andrew Bennett, director of the Clark County Office of Traffic Safety. “When you take a look back at 2025, we had horrific crashes that are represented in that 239, with the loss of life that we experienced. … But looking back at historical data, it’s the largest decrease since 2012, for sure.”

Pedestrian deaths were also down in Southern Nevada, with 83 in 2025, down from the 97 seen the year prior. Motorcyclist deaths also dipped in 2025 with 58, compared with 62 in 2024. Deaths of those riding scooters, mopeds and all-terrain vehicles fell 83 percent, going from six in 2024 to 1 in 2025.

Bicyclist deaths rose slightly, with 12 last year versus the 11 in 2024. One of those bicyclists’ deaths was that of 12-year-old Haylee Ryan, who died as a result of injuries after being struck by a school bus while riding her bike near Lied STEM Academy in October.

Bennett was pleased with the year-over-year dip in all road user categories outside of bicyclist deaths, which he hopes all categories can improve even further this year.

“In 2025, more than any other year that I can think of, we collectively came together from a variety of backgrounds, ensuring that we did every resource possible looking at this (traffic safety),” Bennett said. “I think we’re doing some good work right now with the school traffic safety working group and engaging with CCSD on traffic safety. I think the sheriff has been doing a great job ensuring that traffic safety is a priority for him and his organization. I do hope that we can continue this decrease into 2026.”

Statewide, pedestrian deaths fell by nearly 3 percent, with 111 in 2025, compared with 114 in 2024. Motorcyclists’ deaths saw no change, with 83 fatalities seen in both 2024 and last year. Bicyclists’ deaths in the state jumped from 16 in 2024 to 17 in 2025, or a 6 percent increase.

Washoe County, which includes Reno, saw a 38 percent jump in road fatalities, going from 50 in 2024 to 69 last year. Nye County saw a 55 percent decrease in traffic fatalities, with five last year, down from the 11 in 2023.

Contact Mick Akers at makers@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2920. Follow @mickakers on X.