Understanding Nevada Crosswalk Safety

Nevada crosswalk safety is of the utmost importance for both pedestrians and drivers, which is why the state has implemented numerous laws regarding crosswalks, sidewalks and other areas where pedestrians may be present and share the road with vehicles. Whether you have struck a pedestrian in a crosswalk or you were a pedestrian hit by a vehicle, understanding these laws is critical.

Nevada ranks among the top 10 worst states for pedestrian safety and nearly 90 percent of pedestrian accidents involve local residents of the state – not tourists, according to the DMV of Nevada.

Nevada Crosswalks

Crosswalks exist in Nevada at just about any intersection you come across. They may have pavement markings or they may not, but they are still designated as crosswalks if there is an intersection.

Under Nevada Statute 484B.287, pedestrians that are using the crosswalk appropriately or obeying all crosswalk signals at an intersection will have the right of way if an accident or incident occurs to ensure Nevada crosswalk safety. Vehicles must yield to pedestrians that are following the pedestrian laws.

What Drivers Must Do

Drivers have a duty of care to not injure pedestrians, which is why there are rules established for how drivers will share the roads with pedestrians. Some of those rules include:

  1. Avoiding collisions with pedestrians at all times.
  2. Yielding to pedestrians that are present in the crosswalk.
  3. Yielding to all blind individuals using a cane or guide animal.
  4. Stopping or slowing down before passing another vehicle that has stopped at a crosswalk.
  5. Waiting for all persons to safely cross and for the crossing guard to exit the crosswalk and put down their sign before entering a crosswalk in a school zone.

Pedestrians Have Rules Too

While pedestrians may have the right of way most of the time, they still have laws that they must follow to remain safe. If a pedestrian fails to follow these laws, they could be considered liable for injuries they sustain after an accident with a vehicle. Some laws pedestrians are required to follow include:

  1. A pedestrian must use the sidewalk when present.
  2. Pedestrians must obey traffic signals – meaning they cannot cross the road when they are not indicated to do so. This includes following the crosswalk signals placed throughout the city. When there is a steady hand present, that means the pedestrian is not permitted to enter the crosswalk. When there is a flashing hand, pedestrians cannot enter the crosswalk, but those already present may continue walking through. If there is a walking person symbol, new pedestrians are permitted to enter the crosswalk.
  3. Pedestrians must stay in the right-hand half of the crosswalk when able.
  4. If no sidewalk is present, pedestrians must walk on the left side of the street facing oncoming traffic so that drivers can see them.
  5. Pedestrians cannot cross a street diagonally unless the crosswalk designates them to do so.
  6. A pedestrian cannot suddenly walk in front of a vehicle if it is impossible for that vehicle to yield.

Were You Injured by a Vehicle?

As a pedestrian, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Vehicle-pedestrian accidents often result in more serious injuries and may require long-term care. The team at De Castroverde Law Group can help you get the compensation you need following such a tragic accident. Call a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer now for a consultation at 702-222-9999 or fill out an online contact form with your questions.