Last night's routine traffic stop took a dangerous turn when a suspected DUI driver hit a North Las Vegas Police Department officer's vehicle on southbound I-15 near Cheyenne Ave. The collision happened just before 9 pm. Fortunately, the officer was outside the cruiser at the time and avoided any physical harm, accordig to the North Las Vegas Police Department.
Following the crash, the North Las Vegas Police Department posted on their Facebook page to remind the public about the dangers of impaired driving. "Don’t drink and drive," they urged, along with a checklist promoting responsible driving behaviors. The department encouraged finding a sober driver, slowing down on the roads, and moving over to give space to emergency vehicles. The driver responsible for hitting the patrol car was arrested after the incident.
The repeated call to action to "move over for emergency vehicles" and "#DriveSoberOrGetPulledOver" comes as a part of a greater initiative to decrease the number of DUI-related incidents, which pose a significant risk to both officers and public safety. In a night that could have turned tragic, the North Las Vegas Police Department officer's close call serves as a tangible example of why such precautions are imperative.
