Deadly DUI crashes along Mt. Charleston declining with awareness, enforcement

LAS VEGAS (KSNV) — A local nonprofit is tackling drivers under the influence on a stretch of road that’s notorious for deadly crashes. Stop DUI puts up signs every holiday season to memorialize the victims and remind drivers of the dangers. Along the road to Mt. Charleston there are 72 in total. It’s called the Stop DUI Miles of Memories Campaign.

Sandy Heverly is the executive director. She said, “It’s very personal. This is my mom’s sign. Yeah. It’s personal.” Her mom was killed by a drunk driver in 1982. Each year around this time, the signs are a tribute to her loss and the losses of countless other families on the road to Mt. Charleston.

Heverly said, “The situation we had on this particular roadway was one of the deadliest in our state. We were averaging 17 DUI fatalities each year.”

With awareness campaigns and partnerships with the lodges and enforcement, that number has dropped significantly.

Sergeant Matthew Marlow with LVMPD said, “If we can save one person’s life by stopping a DUI driver before they get into an accident and hurt themselves or others, it’s made a difference.”

Heverly said, “This is the last place a person would want to see their loved ones’ name.”

The signs are up for the season and were installed by Metro officers. Sgt. Marlow said, “My guys did a really good job.”

It’s a visual reminder of the dangers of driving under the influence. “It’s a great reminder for us. One life saved, it doesn’t wipe away all this stuff, but it really makes you think, hey, you know the work we do out here is important,” said Sgt. Marlow.

It’s work that’s far from over. "Sadly, there’s going to be more signs added next year,” Heverly said.

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