A quarter of the way through 2026 and fatal crashes in the Las Vegas Valley remain lower than the pace that was seen during the first three months of 2025.

Through March, there have been 50 crash-related fatalities on Southern Nevada roads, a 26 percent decrease from the 68 deaths seen during the same time frame last year, according to data released by the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety.

The start of 2026 continues a positive downward trend in road fatalities that was seen in 2025, which was down 19 percent compared to 2024.

Statewide there have been 78 road fatalities through March, down 22 percent from the 100 seen over the first three months of 2025.

Although one death is too many, Anita Pepper, spokeswoman for the state Office of Traffic Safety, said it is encouraging to see a continued downward slide.

“Seeing the downward trend is very encouraging,” Pepper said. “We’re hoping that this continues from the peak that we had during the pandemic and post-pandemic.”

Pepper said statewide and across the county drivers are using less risky driving behaviors that spiked during the pandemic, when less people were on the road, which led to increased speeding.

Deaths of vehicle occupants, which refers to anyone outside of the driver in a car, are down as well, with 14 through March. That’s down 39 percent compared to the 23 occupant fatalities through the first three months of 2025.

Pedestrian deaths in Clark County are down 32 percent compared to the first three months of 2025, with 17 this year, which is under the 25 deaths through March of last year. Bicyclist deaths are down 75 percent, with one this year, while there were four during the first three months of 2025.

Motorcyclist fatalities saw no change, with 16 deaths through March, the same amount seen during the first three months of last year.

“Part of the reason also the data shows us when we see motorcycle crashes is the weather’s been particularly nice and motorcyclists like to ride when the weather is nice,” Pepper said. “If there’s more motorcycles on the road, there’s the potential for crashes. But we always want to remind drivers to look out for motorcyclists on the road and just remember that they are not as easy to see as cars.”

Preliminary data reveals that cars turning left in front of riders remains a major issue in Las Vegas, Pepper said.

“Motorcyclists can reduce their risk by anticipating those sudden left turns, choosing lane positions that increase visibility, wearing bright gear, and sharpening their skills with a rider‑training class,” she said.

Pepper cautioned that historically deadly times on the road are ahead, with 4/20, or April 20, which is the day embraced by marijuana enthusiasts, Cinco de Mayo, high school graduations and the start of the 100 deadliest days on roads — the stretch between Memorial Day and Labor Day — and she encouraged all drivers to utilize safe driving techniques and to not drive while impaired.

“We’re starting to go into the warmer summer seasons and also we’re also coming into some celebratory times,” Pepper said. “I just want to remind everyone, Cinco de Mayo is going to be coming up in a few weeks. Plan ahead, get a designated driver, plan a sober ride. For proms and graduations, people have their whole lives ahead of them. We just want to remind them that these are also times when you need to not drive impaired, plan ahead, call friends and family, don’t get in the car with someone who’s impaired.”

To encourage the use of ride hailing around April 20, Nevada’s Zero Fatalities Coalition is offering $5 off a single Lyft ride between 5 p.m. on April 19 and 7 a.m. on April 21. Riders can redeem the discount by entering SAFERIDENV in the Lyft app.

Contact Mick Akers at makers@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2920. Follow @mickakers on X. Send questions and comments to roadwarrior@reviewjournal.com.