Las Vegas, NV (May 20th, 2025) – Known as Jaya’s Law, Assembly Bill 111 is heading to the Nevada Senate floor for a final vote. If passed, it will move on to the governor for consideration to be signed into law.
Named after three-year-old Jaya Brooks, who tragically lost her life in a wrong-way crash on U.S. Highway 95 in December 2023, AB 111 seeks to reclassify wrong-way driving from a civil infraction to a misdemeanor offense.
Wrong-way crashes aren’t just dangerous. They’re often deadly. In Las Vegas, these head-on collisions usually happen on highways or major roadways at high speeds. While they may seem rare, the outcomes are often catastrophic.
Why Are Wrong-Way Crashes So Dangerous?
Wrong-way crashes are different from most other types of car accidents. They usually happen at high speeds, often on highways or interstates, and involve vehicles traveling directly toward each other. That makes head-on collisions almost unavoidable.
The force of impact in a wrong-way crash is much greater than in typical rear-end or side-impact collisions. Drivers have less time to react, swerve, or slow down. Even vehicles with top safety ratings can’t always protect occupants from the violent force of a head-on crash.
Several risk factors increase the danger:
High Closing Speeds
When two vehicles are moving toward each other, even at moderate speeds, the collision force is magnified. A 60 mph wrong-way crash often has the same impact as hitting a wall at 120 mph.
Limited Visibility
Many wrong-way crashes happen at night, when visibility is poor and drunk or drowsy driving is more common.
Impaired Reaction Time
Drivers traveling the correct direction rarely expect a car to be coming straight at them in their lane. That delay in recognition often costs lives.
Multiple Victims
These crashes don’t just affect one vehicle. On busy highways like I-15 or U.S. 95, a wrong-way driver can trigger chain-reaction crashes involving several cars.
Wrong-way crashes also have a higher fatality rate than most other traffic incidents. According to data from the Federal Highway Administration, these types of collisions are up to 27 times more likely to result in death.
Measures to Prevent Wrong-Way Driving in Las Vegas
Efforts to curb wrong-way accidents in Las Vegas are happening on multiple fronts, combining technology, engineering, enforcement, and legislative action. These collisions often result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities, which is why both state and local officials are treating the issue as a high-priority traffic safety concern.
Over the past several years, Las Vegas has seen a steady rollout of preventive measures aimed not only at catching wrong-way drivers at the moment, but also at stopping them before they enter the roadway at all. From advanced detection systems to road redesigns and tougher penalties, the city and the state are working to create a layered approach that addresses the problem from every angle.
Detection Systems That Alert and Respond in Real Time
NDOT has rolled out wrong-way detection systems across off-ramps and freeway entrances in Clark County. These systems use thermal imaging to identify vehicles going the wrong way. When a vehicle is detected, the system activates flashing signs to alert the driver and sends automatic notifications to law enforcement. Some systems are connected to freeway message boards, giving other drivers a chance to steer clear.
Smarter Roadway Design and Improved Signage
Better signage and road markings are also part of the plan. “Wrong Way” and “Do Not Enter” signs have been repositioned lower to the ground for increased visibility, especially at night or to impaired drivers. Reflective pavement markers are designed to shine only when approached from the wrong direction, providing a visual cue that something isn’t right. In certain areas, rumble strips have been added to physically alert drivers who drift into the wrong lane.
Targeted Enforcement by Local and State Police
The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and Nevada Highway Patrol have stepped up DUI enforcement along high-risk corridors such as I-15 and U.S. 95. Nighttime and weekend patrols are focused on catching impaired drivers before they cause a crash. These enforcement efforts are especially important, given the strong link between wrong-way crashes and drug or alcohol impairment.
Proposed Legislation
Nevada legislators have considered multiple bills aimed at strengthening the legal response to wrong-way driving. Among the proposals: creating a misdemeanor charge for wrong-way driving, even when no crash occurs; increasing penalties in cases involving impaired drivers or repeat offenders; and authorizing immediate license suspension in specific situations. While earlier efforts failed to gain traction, recent high-profile crashes, many involving fatalities, have reignited public and political pressure to act.
One of the most significant efforts is Assembly Bill 111, also known as Jaya’s Law. This bill would reclassify wrong-way driving from a civil infraction to a misdemeanor offense, even in cases where no crash results. Supporters of AB 111 argue that adding criminal penalties is a necessary step to deter reckless and impaired drivers from making deadly choices. The bill has gained momentum in 2025 following widespread public outcry and unanimous support in the Nevada Senate Committee on Growth and Infrastructure.
Holding Wrong-Way Drivers Accountable
Wrong-way crashes are often preventable, and when they happen, the damage can be life-changing. Whether the driver was impaired, distracted, or simply careless, victims shouldn’t be left dealing with the consequences alone. If you or someone you love was hurt in a wrong-way accident in Las Vegas, George Bochanis Injury Law Offices can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you’re entitled to. With decades of experience handling serious injury and fatal crash claims across Nevada, our offices are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable. Contact our law offices today for a free initial consultation. 702-388-2005.
