Holiday travel accidents and winter road safety

The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has shared several public safety updates amid a series of traffic accidents and winter weather impacts. An upcoming statewide impaired driving enforcement effort has been announced following the holiday season.

On Dec. 26, deputies and emergency responders were dispatched to a single-vehicle rollover crash on U.S. 93, near mile marker 151 in the Pony Springs area, about 32 miles north of Pioche. Initial response resulted in partial lane blockages as officials worked the scene.

Authorities later confirmed the crash was fatal. According to the Nevada Highway Patrol, the vehicle rolled into the desert west of the highway. The passenger, an adult female, was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver sustained critical injuries and was Life Flighted to a local hospital. The Nevada Highway Patrol’s Major Accident Reconstruction Team is handling the collision investigation, while the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office is conducting the coroner investigation. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Approximately five hours later, a second rollover accident was reported on U.S. 93, near mile marker 22, about 15 miles south of Alamo. Emergency responders were again dispatched. Motorists were advised to slow down and use caution while traveling through the area.

A blast of winter weather added to travel concerns the following morning. On Dec. 27, the Sheriff’s Office issued a road advisory, citing poor visibility and snowfall on State Route 317 between Caliente and Elgin. Snow was also reported along U.S. 93 beginning near Panaca and extending north, along with widespread fog across much of the county. Drivers were urged to reduce speed, remain patient and prepare for changing road conditions as winter weather continued to move through the area in waves.

Looking ahead to the new year, the Sheriff’s Office announced participation in Nevada’s statewide Joining Forces Impaired Drivers campaign, running from December 31, 2025, through January 5, 2026. During this period, deputies will conduct high-visibility patrols throughout Lincoln County focused on removing impaired drivers from local roadways and educating the public on safe driving practices.

The campaign supports Nevada’s Zero Fatalities goal by addressing behaviors such as impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving and failure to wear seat belts. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead, drive sober and make safety a priority during holiday travel. More information on traffic safety efforts is available through the Zero Fatalities Nevada program at zerofatalitiesnv.com.