Concerns Rise Over Vehicle and Wild Horse Accidents on Highway 50

Recent incidents involving wild horses on Highway 50 have sparked significant safety concerns. As these accidents increase, officials are urging motorists to exercise extreme caution and advising against feeding or watering wild horses near roadways.

After attending a Stagecoach Advisory Board meeting where wild horse-related accidents were discussed, Lyon County Commissioner Ray Fierro encountered a tragic incident. A motorcyclist lost their life in a collision with a horse on U.S. 50, highlighting the dangers posed by wild horses on roads.

Residents expressed concerns about vehicle collisions with wild horses in the Dayton/Mound House area, emphasizing the importance of not feeding or watering horses near highways. They also noted the lack of lighting on certain roadways, although this was not directly blamed for the accidents.

Commissioners Ray Fierro and Bob Hastings, both Dayton residents, addressed the wild horse issue during a Lyon County Board of Commissioners meeting. Following the fatal accident, the Nevada Department of Agriculture released a statement urging caution on roads near the Virginia Range, which includes areas like Carson City, Fernley, and Dayton.

In the past 10 days, several accidents on U.S. Highway 50 between Dayton and Silver Springs have been reported, resulting in one fatality, two injuries, and the deaths of seven horses. Flint Wright, administrator of the Nevada Department of Agriculture's Animal Industry Division, warned motorists to be vigilant as horses move into these areas in search of food.

Commissioner Fierro reiterated the dangers of feeding or watering horses near highways, as it draws them to roadways. Bob Hastings highlighted the illegality of feeding wild horses, sharing an incident where someone left apples for horses in his neighborhood.

With the canal through Fernley dry, wild horses have moved into community areas, posing additional risks. Concerns were also raised about the potential danger to children from horses in residential areas, especially during mating season when stallions may become aggressive.

The Nevada Departments of Public Safety, Transportation, and Agriculture are implementing measures to protect public safety. Emergency signage has been placed to alert motorists to the presence of horses, and efforts are underway to trap horses near roadways to reduce traffic risks. These horses are referred to Return to Freedom (RTF), which can purchase them from the NDA.

Jim Barbee, director of NDA, emphasized the commitment to public safety while caring for estray/feral horses in accordance with Nevada state law. He noted that only horses posing public safety concerns have been trapped in recent years.

For more information, visit the original article by RGJ.