Community Groups Joins Police in Keeping Streets Safe | News

NORTH LAS VEGAS -- The big day for trick-or-treaters is Wednesday but, beginning Monday community groups and Metro officers will be making the final push to make sure everyone is safe while on the streets.

One family who lost a loved one crossing the street wants to make sure walkers and drivers hear their message.

On October 21, 2011, 6-year-old Mia Decker was hit at a crosswalk at Camino Eldorado and Bent Arrow. She died a few days later. Mia was one of three girls walking home from the park when she was hit by a car.

"At first you're angry, then you're hurt, then the emptiness and the loneliness steps in and you never get over it. It just never happens," said Howard Decker, Mia's grandfather.

Decker isn't the only loved one who will be reminded of a loss this Halloween. Faith Love, 12, was hit and killed trick-or-treating in her neighborhood by a drunk driver.

Erin Breen, Director of UNLV's Safe Community Partnership said safety should be a top priority for drivers, especially on Halloween.

"Generally speaking children are going to be excited and unpredictable so no matter where you are traveling, no matter what kind of street, you should travel more slowly and you should expect a child to dart out on you," said Breen.

Breen's group and Metro officers will be patrolling areas Monday, handing out everything from buttons to informational cards about pedestrian safety.

Partly due to Breen's group, the crosswalk where little Mia was killed has been improved. But, even with flashing lights, Mia's grandfather said the responsibility lies in driver's hands.

"Drivers, if you get behind the wheel of a car you should treat that car as a deadly weapon. You can spend all the money you want to spend but if you don't educate it's all for nothing," said Decker.