Las Vegas: One of the Most Dangerous Cities for Pedestrians
A national study recently reconfirmed that Las Vegas is one of the most dangerous cities for pedestrians. The study was issued by the National Complete Streets Coalition and Smart Growth America. While not the most dangerous city for pedestrians in the nation, Las Vegas did come in at the top of the list. The study ranked Las Vegas 13th in most dangerous cities for pedestrians.
Some Statistics
Safety officials have long been aware of the danger to pedestrians in Las Vegas, but this recent study reconfirmed a problem that needs to be corrected. According to the study,
- There are 1.85 pedestrian deaths per 100k people in the Vegas-Paradise area
- Las Vegas has a pedestrian danger index of 102.67
- When it comes to fatality rates, Las Vegas-Paradise ranked 9th worst in the nation.
Pedestrian Danger Index
The pedestrian danger index is a way to gauge the likelihood of a fatal pedestrian accident. This system compares the percentage of people in the city who walk regularly with the total number of pedestrian fatalities in that area.
The safest city in the nation for pedestrians is Boston-Cambridge, with a pedestrian danger index of 18.65. The most dangerous area is Orlando, Florida which has a 244.28 score on the index.
Dangerous By Design
Safety experts believe that a large factor that makes Las Vegas such a dangerous city for pedestrians is the street, crosswalk, and sidewalk design. In Vegas, over 20 percent of fatal traffic crash victims are pedestrians – one of the highest percentages in the nation.
Many cities have begun to implement safer pedestrian paths, such as the “Danish offset” which is a median area within a crosswalk in the shape of an “S.” Safety experts found that this slows pedestrians down and makes them look both ways before crossing.
What is Being Done?
The Nevada Department of Transportation has recognized the dire need to improve pedestrian safety in Las Vegas. In response, they have launched a program called “Walk Wise” to change both the driver behavior and pedestrians, on safe practices when sharing roadways with motor vehicles.
The department has also created several campaigns that focus on increasing awareness about pedestrian safety in the area, such as the “ Put Down the Phone” campaign, which encourages pedestrians to be mindful of their surroundings while crossing roads.
What You Can Do
Las Vegas is one of the most dangerous cities for pedestrians in the nation. It ranks 13th on a list of the most dangerous cities for pedestrians, with an alarming pedestrian danger index of 102.67.
However, steps are being taken to improve safety for those on foot in Las Vegas, with the Nevada Department of Transportation leading the charge by launching several campaigns and initiatives to increase safety awareness.
If you or someone you love was involved in a pedestrian accident, contact Shook & Stone. Our firm has helped many pedestrians and their loved ones recover the compensation they deserve for things like medical expenses, pain & suffering, lost wages, and more. Call our Personal Injury Attorneys today for a free evaluation of your case.