7 Ways to Reduce Pedestrian Accidents in Las Vegas

It’s no secret that car accidents can be deadly, but what about when pedestrians are involved? Most adults consider jogging, running, or even casual walking to be a relaxing experience and not something to be concerned about; however, this couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal, 2017 was the deadliest year for pedestrian accidents. There are many causes of pedestrian accidents: careless driving, reckless vehicles, or even drunk driving. Sometimes pedestrian injuries are quite minor and include bruises or broken bones; however, fatal accidents are a common occurrence and are something you should be aware of whether you plan to walk, jog, or even drive to your destination. If you’re looking for ways to stay safe and protect the other people around you, there are seven important steps you can take to help reduce pedestrian accidents in Las Vegas. Whether you’re a driver or a jogger, make sure you take the time to carefully look out for other people on the road.

1. Avoid distracted driving.

According to the National Safety Council, approximately 1.6 million car accidents each year are caused by drivers who use their cell phones while driving. This can include talking on a cell phone or even texting. If you’re going to drive, even for a short while, make sure you put your phone down. It’s vital that you give the road your full attention so you can not only protect the people in your vehicle, but pedestrians who are out walking around, too. Additionally, remember that distracted driving doesn’t only include cell phone use. Things like chatting with friends, arguing with a partner, or even adjusting the radio can draw your attention from the road and increase your chances of being involved in an accident.

2. Take your time driving.

Don’t speed. Even if you feel like you’re running late, make sure you take your time driving to your destination. Speeding and reckless driving can make you much more likely to get in an accident in Las Vegas. Speeding means you may not see a pedestrian who could be trying to cross the road or who may be on a sidewalk. Aim to leave earlier than you need to so you can reach your destination without driving carelessly. This is one of the simplest steps you can take to protect pedestrians.

3. Stay vigilant at night.

Driving at night carries a number of risks. For example, the number of passenger fatalities during the evening is significantly higher than in daytime accidents. If you choose to drive at night, make sure you pay extra attention to the road. While many pedestrians do wear reflective gear or light clothing, some do not. Pay attention to cyclists and joggers when the lighting is poor and be aware that you might not be able to see pedestrians clearly.

4. Have your car regularly serviced.

One of the easiest ways to prevent accidents while on the road is to have your car regularly serviced. Oil changes and regularly maintenance checks can help catch serious problems in your vehicle. For example, if your tires are worn, it’ll be more difficult to stop your car quickly. When it comes to keeping other people safe on the road, it’s vital that you keep your car in proper working order so you can protect both your passengers and local pedestrians.

5. Obey traffic laws

Whether you’re driving or you’re a pedestrian, make sure you always follow traffic laws. This means you need to come to a complete stop at stop signs and avoid speeding. If you’re on foot, you should cross the street using crosswalks when it’s your turn. Accidents often happen when one or both parties fail to obey traffic laws. Simply following the rules is one of the simplest ways to cut back on the number of accidents.

6. Wear bright colors

If you want to go for a jog after work, you probably just want to pop in your earphones and take off, but make sure you dress appropriately. Choose reflective gear you can wear while you’re on foot. No, this may not be the most fashionable attire, but it will help increase your visibility to cars and other vehicles that may struggle to see you. At the very least, make sure you choose bright clothing that makes you easy to see. Avoid dressing in dark colors, including black, when you’re out at night.

7. Pay attention when you’re on foot

Perhaps most importantly, always pay attention. If you’re the one on foot, be aware of your surroundings. Even when you follow local laws and take safety precautions, vehicles may not notice you. Distracted drivers might not see you jogging on the side of the road, and they may not always stop when they’re supposed to. Similarly, drivers who are traveling in poor weather conditions may be struggling to even see the other vehicles and even when you have safety gear on, they may not notice you. Careful observation can help minimize your chances of being in an accident.

Is it time to contact a Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney?

If you have been injured by an automobile or were otherwise involved in a pedestrian accident, it’s important to find out what your rights and options are. If you were struck by a car or injured by a vehicle, you may be entitled to compensation that can help cover your medical expenses, as well as lost wages from taking time off work to heal after the accident. Our Las Vegas office can evaluate your case to discuss your options with you. We’ll talk about what your choices are for moving forward, as well as what you can expect throughout the journey.

Additionally, if you’ve specifically been involved in a bike accident, understanding the nuances and complexities of such cases is crucial. Our team is well-versed in the intricacies of various pedestrian accidents and is committed to guiding you every step of the way.

When you’re ready to find out more, please reach out as soon as possible. We’d love to help you schedule a consultation to talk about how we can help you move forward. Please call us at (702) 680-1111 or contact us online so we can start discussing your case.