Nevada Highway Patrol will be working around the clock to urge drivers and riders to slow their speed in an effort to eliminate the recent spike in statewide fatalities.

Troopers will be focused on enforcing speed limit laws through Aug. 10.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatalities Analysis Reporting System, Nevada has seen a 10 percent increase in fatalities to date compared to the same time last year.  The same data shows that the increase could have been avoided if motorists had adhered to posted speed limits.

Troopers urge drivers and riders to take extra care between 6pm and 6am when visibility is decreased and the majority of speed-related fatalities occur. Unlawful speeds increase the potential for loss of vehicle control, reduce the effectiveness of occupant protection equipment, decreases stopping distance in instances of danger, and increases the degree of crash severity leading to more debilitating injuries.