When driving in New Mexico, it is common to see elaborate descansos (from the verb descansar, to have a rest) commemorating where people have died suddenly and without last rites, especially in automobile accidents. (There is a heartrending one on I-25 between Clines Corners and Old Pecos Trail in memory of an entire family that was recently killed on the interstate by a wrong-way drunk driver.)
Yesterday, the state Senate approved a measure, Senate Bill 478, making it a crime to destroy or deface any such roadside memorials.
(Photo credit cuyahogaproductions.com.)
