[Southwest15]

Looks like there has been a recent string of fatal and non fatal vehicle vs pedestrian accidents in the valley. Is it really unsafe to be on the streets?

[PinkString]

It's a combination of inattentive drivers and pedestrians not paying enough attention before they cross the streets. When a pedestrian is hit in the crosswalk, it's the driver not paying attention. When they are hit jaywalking, it's usually the pedestrian playing frog-ger*, thinking they can outwit that game. I used to play that game and the frog always ended up smashed, never did make it to the other side of the road.

I can't count how many times I have seen people of various ages so engrossed in their cell phone, either chatting, texting or playing games that they just didn't see that car as they stepped out in front of it. Not everyone can brake in time...Add in a driver on their cell phone, either chatting, texting or whatever at the same time and it's total chaos.

If you want to live as long as possible being a pedestrian, always wait until all the cars are gone before crossing. Don't ever assume they will stop for you in a crosswalk. One may stop and another can go speeding through, almost hitting you as you are crossing. I have had that happen to me a few times already. I am just lucky they stopped before hitting me!
*the censor thought it was a bad word, so I had to hyphenate it.

[macgeek]

I see stupid pedestrians and stupid / drunk drivers, it's not a pretty mix

Jonathan

[clutchcargo777]

Another fatal one just now in front of The Orleans

[BBMW]

The street topology in Vegas, other than on the strip (maybe), is NOT pedestrian safe. The roads are very wide, crossings can be far apart, and everything is very spread out. People either aren't fast enough getting across, or cross where they shouldn't. And the drivers don't even consider the fact that there might even be such a thing as a pedestrian.

[MomMom]

Originally Posted by Southwest15

Looks like there has been a recent string of fatal and non fatal vehicle vs pedestrian accidents in the valley. Is it really unsafe to be on the streets?

The nice weather brings out more walkers, and more jaywalkers. I see more people every day NOT using crosswalks, running across lanes of traffic and even people crossing in the crosswalks but AGAINST the "don't walk" signal.

People can not assume that just because you step into the crosswalk, cars will stop, it just will not happen. Walkers have to be aware of traffic when entering the roadway and ensure it is safe to do so, no matter if the traffic law is with you or not. It's all about common sense and your own sense of safety.

Speeding drivers, oblivious to anything but their own world just assume roads are for cars and don't even LOOK to see if there are walkers, bicyclers and scooter people. I've seen a big increase in those scooters lately.

We need some local public service ads on TV about this very issue.

[dynimagelv]

a couple of contributing factors.
#1 Las Vegas has a history [especially downtown and the strip] of people that wander from one Casino to another....
#2 It USED to be that The Pedestrian had the right of way ONLY in a crosswalk....outside, they were fair game. THEN came the Kalifornication.... In the People Republik of Kalifornia the pedestrian is GOD.... the Kalifornians moved here bringing there atitudes with them.

HENCE....Pedestrian meets front bumper is becoming a normal thing.

What DOES bother me is the INCREASED # of hit and runs......

[unf0rgiven6262]

Originally Posted by MomMom

The nice weather brings out more walkers, and more jaywalkers. I see more people every day NOT using crosswalks, running across lanes of traffic and even people crossing in the crosswalks but AGAINST the "don't walk" signal.

I don't blame them. The crosswalks at major intersections are far more dangerous than jaywalking here. People taking right turns without looking or stopping and people taking left turns/ cars running red lights. That crosswalk quickly starts to look like a white ladder to heaven.

[MomMom]

Originally Posted by unf0rgiven6262

I don't blame them. The crosswalks at major intersections are far more dangerous than jaywalking here. People taking right turns without looking or stopping and people taking left turns/ cars running red lights. That crosswalk quickly starts to look like a white ladder to heaven.

So, you're telling folks to jaywalk, it's safer? LOL...

[Gatsby1925]

Like what most people have said, it's a combination of inattentive drivers and jaywalking/inattentive pedestrians. I was stunned to find a girl who had to be no older than 14 jaywalking across Tropicana between Rainbow and Jones while texting! Even if you are using a crosswalk, you should be attentive at all times and not be texting on your cell phone.

What gets me are the people who jaywalk right next to the crosswalk. I see this at least once a day on my daily commute. Why?

All-in-all, use a crosswalk. Even if it's a walk, walking is good for you!