ST. GEORGE — On Wednesday, the Nevada Highway Patrol will be joining forces with the California Highway Patrol to target the highly traveled Interstate 15 corridor between California and Las Vegas.

According to a press release issued by the highway patrol, it is estimated that an average of 45,000 vehicles enter Nevada on the I-15 corridor from Los Angeles, California, on a daily basis, which equates to an average in excess of 16 million vehicles entering every year.

The week of Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel days of the year, and both agencies want all travelers to arrive safely at their holiday destination. The agencies will concentrate enforcement efforts near the Primm area and St. Rose Parkway.

Travelers are reminded that from Primm, Nevada, to St. Rose Parkway is designated a “Zero Tolerance” zone. Even the most minor traffic infraction will be enforced on this busy holiday week. The goal of both agencies is to increase overall safety and to have zero fatalities on the roadways during this busy holiday week.

This stretch of I-15 was once considered one of the deadliest stretches of highway in the country. Authorities say that with the collaborative efforts of the two agencies, they have managed to reduce the number of fatal crashes in this area through enforcement and education.

The multiple agencies will target speeding vehicles, move over law violators and distracted driving violations; however, all traffic violations will be enforced no matter the severity. Motorists will be warned by the DMS electronic freeway signs, which will flash the message “Move Over or Slow Down for Stopped Emergency Vehicles” as well as “Entering NHP Zero Tolerance Zone” as a reminder to be safe.

The California Highway Patrol will focus its efforts on the California side of I-15 and will include the use of a fix-winged aircraft that measures speed from the air.

Additionally, Nevada Highway Patrol will be putting extra manpower on southbound I-15, north of the state line on Sunday. They will be concentrating on speeding, reckless driving and drivers utilizing the shoulders to pass traffic.

While law enforcement continues to conduct traffic stops daily for a multitude of violations, the focus from now through Monday will be on “Click It or Ticket” seat belt enforcement.

Buckling up is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself in a crash. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 10,441 unbuckled vehicle occupants were killed in crashes in the United States in 2019.

Authorities say seat belts are the best defense against impaired, aggressive and distracted drivers. Wearing your seat belt properly and being buckled up during a crash helps keep you safe and secure inside your vehicle.