Traffic fatalities down by 14 in 2011

The number of traffic fatalities decreased in 2011 by 14 compared with 2010.

Nevada Department of Transportation officials say a total of 243 died on the state's roads during the year.

NDOT Director Susan Martinovich said that still is far too many.

"One death on Nevada roads is too many," she said.

Martinovich said this year the state launched its Zero Fatalities program to improve traffic safety as part of a statewide plan. While the ultimate goal is zero deaths, Martinovich said the pragmatic goal for the program is to reduce the number of deaths by 62 in 2015.

The safety plan includes:

• Stepped-up traffic enforcement.

• Installing center-line rumble strips on roadways.

• Installing flashing yellow arrow signals at designated traffic lights and road safety audits.

Two elements approved by lawmakers during 2011's Legislative session include the ban on hand-held cellphone use and the law that requires motorists to give bicycles at least 3 feet of space when passing them.

Statewide, the number of alcohol-related fatalities fell from 75 to 64 in 2011. Motorcycle and bicycle fatalities also decreased from 45 to 39 and six to four respectively. But pedestrian fatalities increased statewide from 41 to 47.