As the Entertainment Capital of the World, Las Vegas draws millions of visitors yearly, and the city streets are always bustling with activity. Amidst the excitement, pedestrians must prioritize safety while navigating the vibrant city. Whether strolling along the iconic Las Vegas Strip or crossing a downtown intersection, understanding and following essential pedestrian safety tips can help ensure your well-being. In this blog post, we will explore five do’s and don’ts that every pedestrian in Las Vegas should remember, empowering you to make informed decisions and protect yourself on the city’s streets.
The Dos
If you have suffered an injury on the road due to the negligence of another, the first thing you need to do is contact an attorney to seek legal help in gaining compensation. However, as you go through Vegas streets, remember the following tips.
Stay Visible and Stay Patient
Reflective clothing is essential when using the roads in low-light conditions. Reflective gear enhances visibility, especially during nighttime walks.
You can carry a flashlight or use road signals such as waving so drivers can see you from a distance, reducing the risk of accidents.
Sometimes traffic may be heavy. You may need to wait for a safe opportunity to cross, so stay patient and avoid unnecessary risks. Wait until traffic clears before crossing. You might not like having to think about this daily, but until car technologies like self-driving improve to almost perfection, where drivers hitting people are a thing of the past, this is the only way to stay safe.
Use Crosswalks
Crosswalks are built for pedestrians to offer a safe passage across the road. Whenever possible, cross the road at crosswalks. These areas prioritize pedestrian safety, and drivers always know to stop or slow down.
Stay within the designated crosswalk lines. Walking outside the markings might make it harder for drivers to anticipate your moves.
Observe Traffic Signals
Be alert to pedestrian crossing signs and walk/don’t walk signals. Wait to cross until the lights indicate that it’s safe to proceed.
Also, maintain a steady walking pace when crossing a road. Running increases the likelihood of accidents. It reduces a driver’s reaction time when you make sudden movements.
Ensure the Driver Sees You
Make eye contact. Please only cross the road after confirming they have seen you and intend to yield.
Use designated sidewalks if they are available. They are safe spaces for pedestrians away from motorized traffic. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing oncoming traffic so you can stay alert of vehicles coming towards you.
Stay Alert to Turning Cars
At intersections, be extra cautious when crossing the road. Watch out for motorists that are making turns. You can observe their turning signals or indicators. This will give you an idea of where they are going and how you should move for safety.
And, of course, always look left, right, and left again before crossing. Confirm that no vehicles are approaching from either side.
Walk in groups. There is increased safety in numbers. Whenever possible, walk with others in unfamiliar high-risk areas. It increases visibility because drivers are more likely to see a group of pedestrians.
The Don’ts
These are dangerous behaviors when using the roads as a pedestrian. Please don’t:
Jaywalk
Jaywalking increases the risk of accidents. It crosses the road in unauthorized areas, such as outside designated crosswalks. If you jaywalk, a driver may not anticipate you appearing unexpectedly.
Always obey traffic signals. Traffic signs and signals are put in place to regulate traffic flow. They are essential for pedestrian safety, and it may become dangerous if you ignore them.
Assume Drivers See You
Refrain from making this assumption even if you have the right of way. Make eye contact with drivers and use hand signs to ensure they see you. Remain vigilant and watch for any indications that drivers may not have noticed you.
Use Phones on The Road
Avoid distractions, such as texting, when crossing the roads. Crossing the road while listening to music that is too loud on your headphones is also dangerous. Keep your full attention on your surroundings to anticipate and react better to potential dangers.
Assume Green Means Safe
Even when the lights turn green, double-check for turning vehicles. Some drivers attempt to make right or left turns without yielding to pedestrians. Stay cautious.
Don’t assume vehicles will stop. Be cautious and make sure motorists stop completely before crossing the roadway. Even on a crosswalk, some drivers often disregard traffic laws, so you better take charge of your safety by waiting for vehicles to stop.
Crossing Behind a Long Vehicle
Large trucks have larger blind spots. Oncoming drivers may not see you. Wait for the vehicle to pass or find a better location to cross. Always exercise extra caution when crossing the road behind buses, trucks, or vans.
Conclusion
There are a lot of unpredictabilities on the roads these days. Always stay alert, observe traffic rules, and take charge of your safety.
