Whether you’re walking the Strip after dark from one venue to another or just trying to get through a parking lot, you need to be careful out there. Pedestrian fatalities are on the rise.
As of May 2024, 40 pedestrians were killed in Las Vegas – nearly double the number killed by the same point in 2023. Experts say that road design is a big issue, but the real cause of the problem continues to be drivers who insist on getting behind the wheel of their vehicles while they’re impaired or speeding through the streets. Naturally, the danger is increased as the days grow shorter and more people are forced to navigate the streets in the dark.
How to avoid pedestrian accidents after dark
You can’t do anything about the infrastructure problems that make it harder for pedestrians to navigate the terrain – nor can you control what irresponsible drivers will do. You can, however, do the following to stay safer:
- Be conscious of your visibility: The wrong clothing choices can make you nearly invisible in the dark. If you’re not wearing white, yellow, neon or reflective clothing, consider wearing glow stick bracelets and necklaces or carrying a flashlight with you.
- Use sidewalks and crosswalks: Whenever possible, stick to the sidewalks and try to plan your walking route so that you always use crosswalks with traffic signals when crossing the streets. Unless you have no other choice, it’s better to go out of your way than to take a chance.
- Travel in packs: It’s much easier for a driver to overlook a single pedestrian than two – or a whole group. If you can, try to move with a crowd, especially when you’re crossing the street.
- Stay focused and alert: Keep at least one ear free at all times, even if you habitually like to listen to your music while you watch. When you can, try to make eye contact with any drivers at the light when you start to cross so that they’re conscious of your presence.
If you do end up in an accident, you could be looking at a long, painful recovery period – and all the expenses and financial losses that entails. It’s important to fully explore your right to fair compensation.
