Where to Crash in Reno and Sparks

Driving in Reno isn't that bad, but it does have it's hazards. Having lived in the Sacramento area of California for years, I know bad traffic. I'm talking the real ugly stuff, where it takes hours to go a few miles, assuming it's moving at all. Just try getting to the Bay Area from Reno on any holiday weekend and you will experience what I'm talking about. In fact, it's gotten so bad that most any trip, anytime, will get you into a grinding stop-and-go scene somewhere along the way. I have a hard time not laughing when people complain about Reno's bad traffic.

Knowing this (and knowing lots of Reno / Tahoe residents came from over the hill like me), I can understand why some people take chances to avoid waiting for the lights around here. Running red lights is a popular sport, with the unpleasant results you would expect. The Reno Police Department’s Traffic Division recently identified the intersections where you are most likely to mix it up with another motorist. Their website also has accident stats and tips on safely negotiating our city streets.

High Accident Intersections in Reno

Here are some of the intersections Reno PD has identified as particularly hazardous, with extra enforcement planned:

• U.S. 395 and E. Plumb Ln.
• Kietzke Ln. and Plumb Ln.
• Kietzke Ln. and Mill St.
• Kietzke Ln. and Moana Ln.
• N. Sierra St. and N. Virginia St.
• Keystone Ave. and I80
• Center St. and 6th St.
• Mira Loma Dr. and S. McCarran Blvd.
• Kings Row and N. McCarran Blvd.

Most Dangerous Intersections are in Sparks

If you think it might be safer driving in Sparks, think again. According to a report issued by The Road Information Project (TRIP), three of Nevada's most dangerous intersections just happen to be in Sparks. If you are traveling through these areas, be extra cautious:

• Oddie Blvd. and Sullivan Ln.
• Oddie Blvd. and El Rancho Dr.
• Pyramid Way and McCarran Blvd.

Defensive Driving Tips

Probably the most important things are to pay attention and idle down. Leave early enough to get where you are going and don't let other people's rude and aggressive driving make you behave the same way. I learned some of this as a FedEx driver during the Christmas season a few years back.

• Pay attention. Stay aware of what's going on all around. Can the cell phone or pull over and stop if you must talk.
• Observe the speed limit. Be generous; let someone else get the speeding ticket.
• Always leave plenty of room to stop. No tailgating.
• When sitting in traffic, always leave enough room so you can get around the car in front if need be without first backing up. This also helps prevent your rear ending the guy in front should some moron rear end you.
• Never jump on it when the light turns green if you are first in line. Wait a few seconds for the red light runners to clear the intersection. If people behind you honk, let them. Don't take the hit for another person's impatience.