LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Saturday, Nov. 30, marks the one-year end-of-watch date for Nevada State Police Highway Patrol troopers Sergeant Michael Abbate and Trooper Alberto Felix.
Nevada State Police (NSP) Highway Patrol and partnering agencies worked together for an impaired driving campaign to honor the lives of two fallen troopers, who were struck and killed by a drunk driver on I-15.
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"I think it means a little bit to each and every one of us to keep their memory alive," NSP Maj. Kevin Honea said. "What we're hammering home tonight is 'save a life for Felix and Abbate."
The Felix family was in attendance Saturday, addressing troopers and officers before they hit the roads Saturday as part of their DUI emphasis blitz.
"On behalf of the Felix family, they just wanted to say thank you very much from the bottom of their hearts," a family member said to the officers. "They are so proud of each and every one of you."
Through the end of October, a staggering 239 people have died on Clark County roads this year–a 15% increase over the same time period last year.
Impaired driving–whether that's due to alcohol, drugs or both–is one of the biggest contributors and causes of fatal crashes, which has been a growing trend in the valley.
"Remember that one DUI arrest is potentially a life saved, and that life could've been your family or your friend," Honea told troopers and officers.
Between 2018 and 2022, half of all traffic deaths in Nevada were due to impaired driving, and more than 60% of those were on Clark County roads.
"The things that you see are the things that we see," Honea said in an interview. "We see aggressive driving on the roadways. We see speeds that are way faster than they should be."
That's why this campaign is so important to local law enforcement during this holiday season, especially as December 1 marks the start of Impaired Driving Awareness and Prevention Month nationwide.
"To save some family the heartache of a chair at the Christmas table that's empty because of a senseless and unnecessary DUI crash," Honea said.
NSP and Metro Police remind you it's okay to make alcohol a part of your holiday celebrations this year, but urge you to make a plan ahead of time: find a designated driver, or call a rideshare or a cab.
NSP and Metro's message: "Drive sober, or get pulled over. You might save a life."
