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!

Photo reprinted from flickr.com

We recently came across a report from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) that states the number of collisions in the Las Vegas area, the number of fatalities and their causes and the intersections with the highest incidences of collisions for the year to date.  In order to show how prevalent car accidents are in the Las Vegas valley and how they can be easily prevented, I have posted some information from that report.

Las Vegas Collision Stats

The LVMPD reports a staggering 17,884 collisions for the year of 2008, with 7,239, or 40% of those collisions resulting in injury and 82 in death. 

Of those 82 fatalities, pedestrian error was the #1 cause of death, followed by excessive speed and failure to yield the right of way along with other improper driving.  Although 82 may seem like a relatively low number of fatalities when compared to the number of collisions, that’s 82 lives cut short in accidents that likely could have been prevented by exercising caution and responsibility! And that number only accounts for deaths through the month of August! 

Dangerous Intersections

We all know that there are certain intersections in the city that are notorious for accidents.  Below I list the intersections in town to watch out for and to be especially careful while crossing or driving through them. 

The top 10 intersections with the highest incidences of collisions were:

1. Tropicana Ave. at Koval Ln.
2. Las Vegas Blvd. at Flamingo Rd.
3. Tropicana Ave. at Las Vegas Blvd.
4. Maryland Parkway at Sahara Avenue
5. Lamb Blvd. at Charleston Blvd.
6. Tropicana Ave. at Eastern Ave.
7. Sahara Ave. at Las Vegas Blvd.
8. Blue Diamond Rd. at Durango Dr.
9. Sands Ave. at Las Vegas Blvd.
10. Sahara Ave. at Valley View Blvd.

The top 5 intersections with the highest rate of collisions with injuries were:

1. Koval at Tropicana
2. Lamb at Charleston
3. Charleston at Eastern
4. Bonanza at Nellis
5. Nellis at Vegas Valley

I hope you find this information helpful and that it has inspired you to be a safer driver and a more cautious pedestrian.  Remember that speed limits as well as traffic signals and right-of-way laws exist to protect you and other drivers – follow them to avoid expensive auto insurance premiums and to keep you and your “precious cargo” safe.

Being involved in an accident is a traumatizing experience. By following a few simple steps, the aftermath can be a little less painful and help resolve some of the problems that can result in the future.

Top ten things to do immediately following an auto accident:

1. Stop: If you are able to, stop immediately and get off the road. Failure to do so may result in criminal prosecution.

2. Move vehicles out of harms way, if possible: If you can, get far off the road to prevent other vehicles from getting involved.

3. CALL 911: Police officers and emergency services will be there as soon as possible to assist you and any one else involved.

4. Don’t admit blame: Do not admit blame to any one or make any statements taking blame for the accident.

5. Get other drivers information: Get names, addresses, phone numbers and car information (license plate and insurance) from everyone involved. Also get information from any passengers in or witnesses to the accident. Keep a copy of this information (otherwise you may have to pay to get a copy from the police).

6. Take Photographs: Whether it’s with a camera phone or a disposable camera, documenting the accident with photos is very important. Get pictures of damage on any vehicles involved. Also get pictures of license plates and injuries of any persons involved.

7. Tell the officer your injuries: The officer’s report will be the first documentation of the accident, so it is very important that you tell him/her any pain you feel. Failure to report an injury at this time, waiting to report it later on will cause the insurance companies to be suspicious.

8. Seek medical attention: If injured at all, seek medical attention. Often the shock of the accident releases large amounts of adrenaline into our blood. This can cover and dampen pain temporarily and can sometimes trick you into thinking your fine. Then later on your feel pain.

9. Contact your insurance company: Follow their instructions with full cooperation.

10. Contact an attorney: Call our office at (702) 382-0000. We are here to help. An accident can be a terrible thing, but the aftermath can be just as bad with medical bills, lost wages during recovery time, car repairs and other expenses. You need help, fast!

KEY STRATEGY, BE PEPARED!

Have an emergency kit in your vehicle at all times, including:

• First aid

• Flashlight

• Candles

• Disposable camera

• Pad & pen

• Flares/warning signals

Stay safe!

Adam S. Kutner