The Nevada Departments of Transportation and Public Safety have received a national 2009 Safety Leadership Award for programs that reduced traffic deaths in the state by a quarter since 2006.
The award is issued by the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. A spokesman said that reduction saved more than 100 lives over the past three years.
They pointed to the state's Strategic Highway Safety Plan, NDOT safety audits of roadways and improvements to more than 1,300 miles of road.
NDOT Director Susan Martinovich credited groups and state workers across the state who work to reduce safety hazards and save lives. She said the result has been major traffic safety improvements.
"It is about saving lives and it ultimately comes down to the decision of every motorist to drive safely for themselves and for others," she said.