Las Cruces fatalities up from last year, highest since 1997

The city of Las Cruces has seen nine fatal crashes this year, it’s the highest the city has seen since 1997. This year’s number is up by four compared to last year, in 2013.

“In the last 10 or 15 years, we’ve had three or four traffic fatalities and this year we’ve obviously had a spike in that number,” Dan Trujillo, Spokesman of Las Cruces Police, said.

In 1997, the city saw 11 fatal crashes. In 2008, there were eight. Police say it’s difficult to identify a pattern that would account for the spike.

“It’s unfortunate but sometimes we can’t see a pattern in some of these. Every crash is unique in its own way,” Trujillo said.

They do, however, acknowledge that mobile distractions could be a factor.

“That could play a role, driver intervention, there are probably other factors, speeding, careless drivers,” Trujillo said.

Police are also cautioning motorcyclists. The most recent fatal crash in the city happened two weeks ago and involved a motorcyclist who was not wearing a helmet.

“Motorcyclists if you’re in any type of crash, you’re already at a disadvantage, because you don’t have any other protection you would normally have inside a vehicle,” Trujillo said.

At least once a month, Las Cruces police team up with state police and other local agencies to hold special traffic operations. Officers issue citations for a variety of violations that range from speeding to cell phone use.