The statistics for pedestrian accidents are alarming. In Nevada, between 2011 and 2015, 336 pedestrians were killed in traffic accidents. Another 688 were seriously injured. Last year, 80 pedestrians died in Nevada, an almost 50 percent spike from 2010, when 41 pedestrians died.
The state has included pedestrian accident avoidance as part of their Zero Fatalities – Drive Safe Nevada program. And this time of year, drivers need to remember that summer is heating up and to be on the lookout for pedestrians at intersections.
Although any time of year brings lots of pedestrians to Las Vegas streets, the summer can be especially busy as many people enjoy vacation time. Not only do more tourists flock to the city, but Nevada residents also spend their vacation times enjoying outdoor activities. Drivers need to be alert to the fact that they are sharing the road, not only with other drivers but pedestrians who often have the right of way.
Pedestrian Accident Avoidance
One of the most dangerous places for a pedestrian: at intersections’ crosswalks. Both drivers and pedestrians need to remember that even if no painted crosswalk physically exists, it still exists under Nevada traffic laws. There are steps that both pedestrians and drivers can take to help ensure that everyone stays safe.
If you are a pedestrian at an intersection, always obey the pedestrian traffic light signals. Do not cross until the signal tells you to. If it is a busy intersection, there are likely other pedestrians crossing in the other direction, so it is important for safety that you stay in the right half of the crosswalk whenever possible. Never cross diagonally at a crosswalk. If you are walking on a street with no sidewalk, then walk facing the traffic in order to see what is coming at you. Never walk in the path of an oncoming vehicle.
If you are a driver at an intersection, watch for all pedestrian traffic signals. If the signal flashes for a pedestrian to cross, you must stop. The law requires you to yield to pedestrians at crosswalks. The law also requires you to stop at all times if the pedestrian has a service animal or appears blind. If a vehicle has stopped in front of you to let a pedestrian cross, do not pass the vehicle.