Pedestrian Fatalities in Las Vegas for 2015 on the Rise

The first six months of 2015 have been very dangerous for pedestrians in the Las Vegas area. At this time, there have been more recorded pedestrian deaths in Las Vegas than in the same time period for the previous year. Add to the fact that in 2012, Las Vegas ranked 15th in the United States for pedestrian fatalities in 2012, and you see an unsettling trend. Sadly, pedestrian fatalities in Las Vegas account for 37 percent of all deaths that have occurred since the beginning of 2015 in Clark County.

The Five Most Dangerous Intersections in Las Vegas

Pedestrian accidents can occur at any area in Las Vegas. With such a large amount of pedestrian traffic around the city, it is easy to understand how so many accidents can occur. However, there are several intersections that seem to be more of a problem than others. The five most dangerous intersections for pedestrians are as follows:

  • Charleston and Lamb Boulevards
  • Tropicana Avenue and Rainbow Boulevard
  • Tropicana Avenue and Decatur Boulevard
  • Tropicana Avenue and Pecos Road
  • Sahara Avenue and Rainbow Boulevard
pedestrians crossing the street

Coincidentally, these intersections are also associated with the most accidents in Las Vegas occurring with two or more vehicles.

Costs Associated With Pedestrian Accidents

The injuries sustained in a pedestrian related accident can range from minor abrasions to catastrophic injuries or death. In most cases, the injuries are closer to the severe or catastrophic range than minor injuries. The costs associated with these injuries can be enormous.

When you look at medical care alone, the costs of treating pedestrian injuries exceeded the $50 million mark last year. When you consider loss of income and damage to personal property, this figure soars even higher.

Uninsured pedestrians accounted for over $18 million in medical treatments in just one year in the Las Vegas area. This includes emergency care and rehabilitation costs. There are also many personal costs that have not been documented.

Nevada Does Not Have Specific Right Of Way Laws

Some states have specific pedestrian laws. These are often referred to as right of way laws. Nevada, however, does not. Nevada clearly states when a car must yield, but they do not have pedestrian laws that state a car must stop. In Nevada, a car must yield when:

  • Pedestrians are in a crosswalk
  • At all stop and yield signs
  • On flashing yellow arrows and at green lights
  • Whenever traffic signals are not working
  • When entering a main highway from a small road, private road or driveway

While it is also important for pedestrians to obey these laws and take precautions when crossing a road, pedestrian accidents are almost always related to negligence on the driver of the car because they have failed to follow these above laws.

Staying Safe As A Pedestrian in Las Vegas

pedestrian fatalities

Las Vegas is always in motion. People are on the road and on the sidewalks at all hours of the day. Pedestrians should always take precautions when moving about the city to help ensure that they remain safe. Things that should be remembered include:

  • Always use the crosswalks and follow the signals. This is the best way to remain safe on these busy streets.
  • Avoid darting out between cars or in the middle of a street. A car can quickly turn a corner and hit you before they see you.
  • If possible, make eye contact with the drivers at the intersection. Eye contact allows the drivers to know that you are crossing and they will not move their cars.
  • If you are walking at night, make sure that you have on brighter colors or something with a reflective property. Carry a flashlight if necessary so that you can be seen by drivers.
  • Always look twice before crossing, even at the crosswalks. The two extra seconds it takes to look again can save your life.