Northern Nevada law enforcement targets pedestrian safety

Nevada Highway Patrol urges pedestrians and motorists to obey rules of the road

Courtesy Nevada Highway Patrol

The number of pedestrian deaths in 2017 was 100 statewide per the FARS preliminary report, an increase of 20 from 2016. From April 16 through April 30, 2018, law enforcement officers across Northern Nevada will be issuing citations to pedestrians and motorists who are not obeying traffic safety laws.

Nevada state law requires pedestrians to use sidewalks, crosswalks and pedestrian bridges and obey all traffic-control signs and signals. If there is no sidewalk, pedestrians must walk on the left side of the street, facing traffic. Motorists must yield to pedestrians and avoid passing vehicles that are stopped for pedestrians.

“Across the Silver State, pedestrians are struck by motor vehicles far too often. Not only do motorists need to be mindful and pay attention to pedestrians, but pedestrians must also ensure they are crossing at safe and proper locations.”

The Nevada Department of Public Safety, Office of Traffic Safety advises motorists and pedestrians to share the road, stay alert and aware of your surroundings, and abide by laws designed to protect all road users.

More information about the law and safe behaviors for both pedestrians and drivers is available on the Zero Fatalities website at www.ZeroFatalitiesNV.com/pedestrian.