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
Police push for safer roads as traffic deaths continue across Southern Nevada
“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…