Fewer people died on Nevada County’s roads and highways last year. The Grass Valley CHP Office says there were 12 fatal collisions, killing 12 people, in 2015. But it was 8 crashes killing 8 people in 2016, although it does not include the two Bear River High School students, who died on a section of Highway 49 in Placer County. But Officer Mike Steele says the numbers are not likely significant…

click to listen to Officer Steele

There also does not appear to be a pattern as to whether the accidents occur on highways or county roads. The majority happened on county roads in 2015, but in 2016 there were more on the highways. Steele says the most important thing drivers can do to minimize getting into fatal accidents is staying close to the speed limit, but also keeping a good spatial awareness…

click to listen to Officer Steele

Other tips from the Highway Patrol include keeping a proper space cushion. They say drivers should be able to count to three before passing a landmark that the driver in front passed. Also, watching out for the other driver, wearing your seatbelt, and putting your phone away. The Yuba-Sutter CHP also reports a major drop in fatalities. 27 people were killed in 2015, compared to 16 in 2016.