Pedestrians

May 22, 2013

A 37-year-old Henderson woman died after she was hit by a truck as she walked along U.S. 95 near the Railroad Pass Hotel and Casino. The woman, who was hit about 10 p.m., was taken to Sunrise Hospital and Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead.

According to Nevada Highway Patrol, a tractor-trailer was traveling southbound on U.S. 95 in the right travel lane approaching Railroad Pass. A woman was walking in the right southbound lane. The woman was struck by the right front of the Freightliner truck.

Pedestrian deaths in Clark County spiked in 2012.  There was also an increase in children pedestrian fatalities during 2012. The majority of Nevada’s pedestrian fatalities (70% actually) occur in the Las Vegas metropolitan area.  The fatalities are predominantly locals, notwithstanding all of the visitors to our community.

A factor complicating the pedestrian fatality problem is the city’s infrastructure. In urban Clark County, wide, multilane streets; high speed limits; poor lighting in some areas; minimal sidewalks; long blocks between intersections; and other similar conditions create an “unfriendly” environment for pedestrians and bicyclists.

Pedestrians can be made more aware, or become more aware, of the dangers they face and keep themselves out of harm’s way.

Vehicle drivers can minimize the chances of striking and injuring pedestrians by reducing speed and keeping a sharp lookout. And drivers who reduce their speed, reduce fuel expense and avoid traffic tickets as well.