LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Late Thursday night, a wrong-way driver triggered a deadly crash on Interstate 15, killing one person and injuring several others. The collision forced the closure of northbound lanes for hours, adding to a growing list of serious traffic incidents across the Las Vegas Valley in recent days.
Officials say the timing is especially troubling. Just days earlier, law enforcement agencies across Southern Nevada announced a coordinated traffic safety initiative aimed at preventing exactly these kinds of tragedies.
A valley-wide effort to save lives
Police say the recent crashes highlight the urgency behind the new enforcement and education push, which brings together Nevada State Police, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police, North Las Vegas Police, Henderson Police, Boulder City Police, and CCSD Police.
WATCH | Police push for safer roads amid continuing traffic deaths
“This is something that we take very seriously and we will make a difference. We will make a change,” said LVMPD Deputy Chief Jose Hernandez.
Last year alone, nearly 300 people were killed in traffic crashes across the valley. Many of those deaths were linked to speeding, impaired driving, wrong-way travel, and pedestrian collisions.
As part of the initiative, agencies are focusing patrols on high-collision intersections, neighborhoods, and major roadways, while also increasing public outreach and education.
Tragedies continue despite warnings
Even with the stepped-up efforts, the days following the announcement have been marked by multiple serious incidents.
On Wednesday morning, a man riding an electric skateboard was struck by two vehicles near Nellis Boulevard and Twain Avenue. He later died at the hospital, becoming the 154th traffic-related fatality in Metro’s jurisdiction this year.
Thursday night, a pedestrian was critically injured near Katie Avenue and Maryland Parkway in a hit-and-run crash.
Overnight into Friday, officers arrested a reckless driver after a pursuit in which the suspect drove into oncoming traffic before fleeing on foot.
Police say these incidents represent the exact behaviors the new enforcement initiative is designed to stop.
“These represent lives lost, families changed forever, and communities impacted,” Hernandez said.
Along with increased patrols, the state is continuing to deploy wrong-way detection and warning technology on freeways.
Law enforcement leaders stress that technology and enforcement must be paired with responsible driving.
They are urging drivers to slow down, buckle up, drive sober, avoid distractions, and remain alert, especially as traffic deaths continue to climb.
-
-
Wife remembers father killed by impaired driver going 123 mph in downtown crash
A Las Vegas father of three was killed when a suspected impaired driver traveling 123 mph slammed into his vehicle near a downtown intersection, according to a police report.
Road rage victim on U.S. 95 reunites with life-saving Mercy Air crew
Carmen Losito will never forget March 11 — the day a routine work drive in his 18-wheeler turned into a fight for survival when he was shot in the chest during a road rage incident.
'Just place value back on life': Crash survivor shares message to local drivers
To better understand the lasting impact of deadly crashes, Tricia Kean sits down with Tiffani May, the sole survivor of a deadly multi-car crash in North Las Vegas.
Las Vegas drivers frustrated by increase in red light runners
Channel 13 Traffic Reporter Guy Tannenbaum also has a 'behind-the-scenes' look at RTC's FAST Operations Center where all of Southern Nevada's more than 1600 traffic signals are monitored.
-
