Editorial: Ribbons are red flags

Saturday, Nov. 27, 2004 | 12:40 p.m.

WEEKEND EDITION

November 27 - 28, 2004

Again this holiday season, red ribbons at mile intervals are adding to the scenery of well-traveled Kyle Canyon Road. Motorists using this road west of U.S. 95 are traveling back and forth between Las Vegas and the Mount Charleston area, which is popular for dining, hiking, playing in the snow and just breathing some clean air. Although appropriate just for their color this time of year, the ribbons serve a greater purpose. They are reminders about the danger of drinking and driving.

The ribbons have been a tradition since 1987, when businesses, politicians, organizations and police agencies chose the road to serve as a symbol for safe driving during the holiday season. Before then, the winding, two-lane road was the scene of multiple tragedies, particularly during the period from Thanksgiving through New Year's. Since the red ribbons began going up, there have only been three alcohol-related fatalities along the road during the holidays.

Sadly, this record is not the norm for around the state, at any time of the year. In 2003 Nevada ranked eighth in the nation in the growth of deaths caused by drunken driving. A total of 182 people were killed, a 10.3 percent increase over 2002 -- a period in which the state's population grew 4.1 percent. Some problems, like this one, just can't be blamed on growth.

Too often otherwise law-abiding people drive when they shouldn't, especially this time of the year when holiday parties abound. We ask that everyone think of the red ribbons of Kyle Canyon Road. Waving as they are along a road leading to fun, they are reminders of how quickly happiness can turn to tragedy.