Las Vegas Honors DUI Crash Victims with Roadside Memorials
Las Vegas car accident lawyer explains efforts to prevent drunk driving accidents.
In honor of National Drunk Driving Prevention Month this month, a Las Vegas organization has been placing roadside memorials in memory of people who died in fatal drunk driving accidents in the city, according to KTNV News.
“We decided we needed something that was going to have an impact and hopefully resonate with all the thousands of motorists that are visiting beautiful Mt. Charleston,” Sandy Heverly, executive director and co-founder of STOP DUI, said in an interview with KTNV News.
Along with this memorial program, other groups also hope to raise awareness this month about the dangers of drunk driving. That’s because December is one of the deadliest times of the year due to drunk drivers. Las Vegas car accident attorneys at Lasso Injury Law explain.
Las Vegas DUI accident victims remembered
Known as “Miles Of Memories,” STOP DUI placed memorials every mile on Nevada State Route 157 on Mount Charleston in memory of drunk driving accident victims like 11-year-old Cody Marissa Vesely, who died in a drunk driving accident on Feb. 12, 1997 in Las Vegas, according to KTNV News.
STOP DUI decided to place the memorials on Nevada State Route 157 since it “was one of the deadliest roads in Nevada as well as in the United States,” KTNV News reported. In the past, roughly 17 people died each year on this road, also known as Kyle Canyon Road. This year, that number has been reduced to two deaths, KTNV News reported.
Sadly, though, drunk driving accidents still remain a problem in Las Vegas. So far this year, 52 people have died in Las Vegas in collisions caused by impaired drivers. In comparison, there were 61 drunk driving deaths in the city by this time last year.
Drunk driving accidents during holidays
The period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s has one of the highest drunk driving accident rates of any time of year. “The year-end holiday period from Thanksgiving through New Year's is always one of the most dangerous times on U.S. roads and highways,” according to the National Road Safety Foundation, which stated that “the increased risk comes from a combination of factors that include impairment from alcohol and drugs.”
Between 2017 and 2021, more than 4,500 people died nationwide in car accidents caused by drunk drivers in December, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The worst month was December 2021, when 1,013 people died in drunk driving accidents.
This is why the National Road Safety Foundation, the National Safety Council (NSC) and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) designated December as National Impaired Driving Awareness Month.
Steps being taken to prevent drunk driving accidents
Along with groups like STOP DUI in Las Vegas, many local, state and national organizations are doing their part to educate people about the dangers of drunk driving during the holidays. Through January 1st, the NHTSA in partnership with state and local police has launched its “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.
Along with educating drivers about the dangers of drunk driving, more police will be on the roads this month looking for drivers under the influence. Such drivers can expect to be pulled over and likely charged.
What can I do to prevent drunk driving collisions?
According to MADD, the best way to avoid being involved in a drunk driving accident during the holidays is to plan ahead. “We’re asking everyone to take personal responsibility this holiday season by making a plan for a safe ride home before your celebrations begin,” according to a recent MADD statement. “Designate a non-drinking, unimpaired driver. Take a taxi, a bus, or a train. Use a rideshare app like Uber. If you’re a host, provide an alternative to your guests, such as festive, non-alcoholic drinks.”
Why should I hire a Las Vegas car accident attorney?
You might think you don’t need a lawyer if a drunk driver crashed into your car in Las Vegas. Unfortunately, even seemingly straightforward accidents like ones caused by impaired drivers can quickly turn into complicated legal cases.
Our Las Vegas car accident lawyers at Lasso Injury Law can help you every step of the way. We understand the laws that apply to drunk driving accidents in Nevada. We know which strategies can be the most effective. That's why we have such a strong track record of success.
Learn more about your legal rights. Contact us and schedule a free consultation with a Las Vegas car accident attorney you can count on in a crisis. We work on a contingency fee basis. That means you only have to pay if we secure a financial settlement or verdict for you. Make an appointment today at our Las Vegas office on West Park Run Drive.
