My Paper

Over the past 6 years I have investigated over 75 fatal crashes. The worst one was a female driver, who was driving under the influence of alcohol, failed to stop for a red traffic signal and struck another vehicle in the intersection. A father and son who were on their way to the airport for a return flight home were killed; the driver at fault fled the scene on foot along with her young child. The driver was subsequently found prosecuted and is serving time in prison. Over the past several years, fatal crashes have been on the decline. The reduction can be contributed to the success of the Drug Abuse Resistance Education or D.A.R.E. program. This program receives help from the community, police officers, and school officials, who take interest in the development of today’s youth. The development of the Joining Forces initiative in southern Nevada permits municipalities to join together in order to complete DUI saturation patrols or to establish DUI checkpoints. Stricter progressive punishment acts as a deterrent to becoming a DUI reoffender. Fatal vehicle crashes that involve drug use can be reduced through education, more enforcement, and stricter penalties.

Statistics have proven that fatality crashes have been reduced from 2006 through 2010. Partly because there are police agencies willing to take time to teach with the D.A.R.E. program. The presence of police officers during holidays and special events act as a deterrence to driving while impaired. If someone is convicted of a DUI, and this person is advised of the progressive punishment this will have an effect on their future decisions.