Encouraging news from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration – National figures released a week ago in the 2007 Traffic Safety Annual Assessment for Alcohol-Impaired Driving Fatalities show a significant decline in the number of drunk driving-related fatalities occurring nationally and in 32 individual states, including Nevada.

For the state of Nevada, alcohol-impaired driving fatalities decreased from 14% from 2006 to 2007.  When comparing Nevada’s numbers to the national decrease of 3.7 percent, the figures are even more incredible.

One discouraging national finding from the same report is that the number of alcohol related fatalities among motorcyclists is climbing in half of the states.  Fortunately, Nevada also saw a decrease in alcohol related deaths among motorcyclists, but only by 6.3%.  Other distressing information from the report is that DUI fatalities accounted for about one-third of the total driving fatalities in Nevada for both 2006 and 2007, at 33% in 2006 and 31% in 2007. 

Although the number of deaths caused by drinking and driving on our streets and highways is showing improvement, we’ve still got a long way to go and cannot be satisfied until the numbers hit zero.  Please consider the safety of yourself and other drivers and passengers on the road by doing everything in your control to keep intoxicated drivers off our roads.

To see the entire report, visit http://www.nhtsa.gov.

Photo reprinted from Channelone.com

In recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is just around the corner, September 15 ─ October 15, the Ford Motor Company and the Las Vegas Review Journal’s Newspapers in Education program are sponsoring a photography and essay contest for students in grades 9-12 throughout Clark County.

Students are asked to research a person, place or event that is representative of Hispanic culture and heritage and has made a significant impact within the community or their life. Secondly, students are asked to photograph their selection and write a brief composition of their subject (no more than four paragraphs) describing its importance.

The1st prize is a $2,250.00 U.S. Savings Bond and Certificate of Merit. Second prize is a $1,000.00 U.S. Savings Bond and Certificate of Merit, and 3rd Prize is a $500.00 U.S. Savings Bond and Certificate of Merit.  The Honorable Mention will receive a $250.00 U.S. Savings Bond and Certificate of Merit.  Contest winners must have a valid Social Security account number to be eligible to receive U.S. Savings Bonds.  Winners will be presented their prizes at the Las Vegas Review-Journal October 24th, 2008.  In addition to prizes awarded, the first place winner’s name and photograph and other winners’ names will be published in the Review-Journal.

The deadline for entries is Friday, October 10, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. at the Review-Journal property or by mail.  Entries can be mailed to:

Newspapers In Education

Las Vegas Review-Journal

1111 W. Bonanza Rd.

Las Vegas, NV 89106

For more information about the contest, visit http://www.lasvegasnie.com/hheritage08.html.

I hope that you encourage any of your eligible children, students or relatives to participate in this contest, which is a great and creative way to celebrate Hispanic Heritage.  Good luck to the contestants!