LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — With the new year right around the corner, our city and roads are busier than ever, and safety is top of mind for all of us.
But now, a new, high-tech tool designed to make our highways safer is being used right here in Southern Nevada, and I got to see this cutting-edge technology in action and learn how it's helping protect you and making your commute safer.
Local News
Information you can use to plan your holiday travel
The Smart Roadside Inspection System
As we approach one of the busiest times of the year, Nevada State Police are stepping up their efforts to protect drivers from the dangers that are hidden on our roads.
This smart mobile system uses advanced technology that is designed to electronically screen commercial vehicles in a matter of seconds.
“Thermal imaging cameras, license plate readers, USDOT number and placard readers," said Tappan Cornmesser, a lieutenant with the Nevada State Police.
Lt. Cornmesser gave me a tour of this new roadside inspection system which detects trucks with faulty brakes or overloaded cargo to something much darker.
Abel: Human trafficking is a major issue here in our city. How will this help reduce that?
“We partner with Truckers Against Trafficking...we will detect heat anomalies. So, if a box trailer shows a temp difference up front, inspectors will flag it," Lt. Cornmesser said.
WATCH: Las Vegas is a hotspot for human trafficking, here's how to spot signs
I checked and found Las Vegas ranked second as the worst in the nation for sex trafficking. With more tourists coming to town for big events, the crime is only growing.
Along with targeting traffickers, this technology helps troopers spot trucks carrying dangerous loads or violating weight limits, allowing them to keep our roads and drivers safe and our infrastructure protected.
“Long term is, of course, to reduce accidents and fatal crashes, and human trafficking. Other states have seen a reduction in all of those parameters," Lt. Cornmesser said.
He said in four to five months, Northern Nevada will also be receiving a system just like this.
-
Las Vegas faithful and community gather to honor Pope Francis' legacy
Las Vegas Catholics gathered at Guardian Angel Cathedral to honor Pope Francis, remembered as "the Pope of the people" who made many feel welcome in the church again.
Man sentenced to life in prison for stabbing attack on Las Vegas Strip
Yoni Barrios, the man who killed two people and injured six others during a stabbing spree on the Las Vegas Strip in 2022, will spend life in prison.
Southern Nevadans mourn Pope Francis, reflecting on his legacy and impact
Southern Nevada Catholics gather at Guardian Angel Cathedral to mourn Pope Francis, reflecting on his impact on immigrant communities and his elevation of Las Vegas to an archdiocese.
Man arrested for throwing dog in dumpster released on bail
A Las Vegas man has been arrested after being caught on camera throwing a small Chihuahua into a dumpster, an act that has sparked outrage across the Las Vegas Valley.
Henderson community's 7-year fight for crosswalk pays off
After seven years of persistent advocacy, Henderson residents celebrate as construction begins on a new crosswalk at the intersection of Millcroft and Pecos.
Nevada has zero rent control laws. These storage unit renters aim to change that
Local storage unit renters tell Channel 13 that amid high housing costs, they now have to grapple with "unfair" rent increases and notices at their storage units.
