Pedestrian safety and preventing accidents in Las Vegas
Although Las Vegas is commonly known as a playground for Americans, it is also gaining a reputation as a dangerous area for pedestrians.
March 02, 2013
Pedestrian safety and preventing accidents in Las VegasArticle provided by Clark Tatom McCourt
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Although Las Vegas is commonly known as a playground for Americans, it is also gaining a reputation as a dangerous area for pedestrians. The high number of pedestrian accidents in Las Vegas and Clark County has officials urging drivers and pedestrians to take care.
Las Vegas pedestrian accident statistics
According to CBS News Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department reports that pedestrian accidents increased by 80 percent in 2012. In addition, the University of Nevada Transportation Research Center says that almost "90 percent of pedestrians and drivers involved in fatal crashes are local residents, not tourists," as reported by the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles and the Nevada Department of Transportation
To address this problem, Clark County Commissioners met in late 2012 to discuss a pedestrian safety study that identified 17 problem areas along the Las Vegas Strip. Additionally, the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles' and the Nevada Department of Transportation's Zero Fatalities campaign urges drivers and pedestrians to take important safety precautions.
Safety tips for drivers and pedestrians
As part of the Zero Fatalities campaign, the Nevada DMV and Nevada DOT offer these safety tips for drivers and pedestrians:
-Do not use headphones while walking or driving
-Do not use a cellphone
-Understand that crosswalks exist at all intersections, regardless of whether the road is marked
Tips for pedestrians
-Walk on the sidewalk or in the opposite direction of traffic if there is no sidewalk
-Make eye contact with drivers before crossing in front of them
-Obey traffic control signals
-Do not cross intersections diagonally unless the crosswalk is designed that way
Tips for drivers
-Yield to pedestrians at all marked and unmarked crosswalks
-Stop or slow down before passing a stopped vehicle in case that car has stopped for a pedestrian
-Come to a complete stop before turning right at a red light and look both ways for pedestrians
-Do not accelerate through yellow or red stoplights
A pedestrian injured in an accident may be able to sue the driver in a personal injury lawsuit. If the driver is found negligent in causing the crash and the pedestrian's injuries, the pedestrian may be able to obtain compensation for his or her injuries, medical costs, lost wages while away from work and property damage.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a pedestrian accident in Las Vegas, contact a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to discuss your legal options.