Clark County Commissioners Lynette Boggs McDonald and Chip Maxfield presented Heverly, well known both locally and nationally for her work as co-founder of STOP DUI, with a proclamation signed by all seven members of the Commission. The proclamation honors Heverly and STOP DUI for helping to build community support for the "What’s Your Excuse?" campaign. STOP DUI is a nonprofit group dedicated to putting an end to driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol and assisting victims of DUI crimes. The "What’s Your Excuse Campaign," unveiled June 27, is aimed at reducing accidents caused by three common driving behaviors: distracted driving, running red lights or signs and DUI. Partners in the county-organized effort include the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, Nevada Highway Patrol, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, the cities of Las Vegas, Henderson and North Las Vegas, the Henderson and North Las Vegas Police Departments, the Southern Nevada Regional Transportation Commission’s Club Ride Commuter Services program and University Medical Center.

"Our community has benefited greatly from the passion Sandy Heverly brings to her work, and we are happy to accept STOP DUI’s support for our `What’s Your Excuse?’ campaign," said Commissioner Boggs McDonald, who along with Commissioner Maxfield helped kick off the safe-driving campaign in June. "The key to our success with this effort is to continue to build community support and safe-driving awareness. No driver is perfect. We all make mistakes when we drive, but the consequences of those mistakes all too often have tragic, irreparable consequences."

"We welcome Sandy Heverly and STOP DUI to our effort to make our roadways safer for everyone who lives in Southern Nevada," said Commissioner Maxfield. "Whether you make a decision to drink and drive or to take your eyes off the road to dial your cell phone, the point of our campaign is the same – people are responsible for their actions. We all need to take an honest look at our behavior behind the wheel and become safer drivers – before an accident occurs."

Participating agencies hope to receive grant funding in the future to expand the campaign’s reach through paid advertising and other outreach methods. STOP DUI’s donation will help fund the cost of producing car magnets that will be given away to the public interested in supporting the effort.

"Safe-driving is a cause that’s near and dear to my heart," said Heverly, whose anti-DUI efforts started in 1983 after she and several family members became victims of a DUI driver. "One of the things I appreciate the most about the `What’s Your Excuse’ campaign is the inter-agency support behind it. This campaign has a lot of potential to reach the community and change driving behavior, and STOP DUI is thrilled to participate in the effort. I hope our donation is the beginning for more support to come for this very worthwhile effort."

The "What’s Your Excuse" campaign was created in-house by Clark County Public Communications and Public Works staff. Key campaign elements include a series of public service announcements featuring real local drivers who caused an accident or got a ticket as a result of running red, distracted driving or DUI. The PSAs, created by Clark County Television (CCTV) Channel 4, are airing on the county’s cable station as well as KCLV, Channel 2, the city of Las Vegas’ government access channel. Several local media outlets have agreed to air the TV PSAs as well as versions of the PSAs for print and radio.

Other campaign elements include a website section via www.accessclarkcounty.com and billboards now visible on the backs of 15 Citizens Area Transit buses thanks to a donation of free space from the RTC. A handout posted on the campaign’s website features a collection of 21 safe-driving tips complied with input from Clark County Traffic School, law enforcement and the DMV. The handout is being distributed in Traffic School classes. Recommended driving tips include:

• Be physically and mentally prepared to drive. Know your abilities and your vehicle’ s capabilities before departure.
  
  
• Keep your mind and your full attention on your driving. Talking on cell phones, eating or drinking, tuning car radios, disciplining children and other activities while driving are distractions that can lead to crashes.
  
  
• Do not drink and drive. Your blood/alcohol level should be zero anytime you drive.
  
  
• When you leave your house 10 minutes late, expect to get where you’re going 10 minutes late.
  
  
• Always wear seatbelts and use child restraints even in parking lots.
  
  
• Drive the speed limit. Many drivers have the misconception that if other motorists are driving 5 or 10 miles above the speed limit, it’s OK to speed. It’s not. You can get a ticket or cause a crash.
  
  
• Pull to the right so emergency vehicles can pass.