Pedestrian accidents in Las Vegas continue to be a considerable safety problem that affects residents and tourists alike. It is time for government officials and the public to prioritize driving safety. From barriers to education, proactive measures will save lives and reduce personal injuries.
Pedestrian Accidents in the United States
From 2010 to 2019, the number of pedestrians struck by motor vehicles skyrocketed 45%. The four deadliest years in the United States since 1990 occurred from 2016-2019. Over the last decade, more than 53,435 pedestrians have been killed in accidents with motor vehicles. As of last year, roughly 17 people per day were killed when they were struck by cars. It is a clear indication that much more needs to be done to make the roads less hazardous for pedestrians and cyclists.
In 2010, 4,302 pedestrians were killed in car accidents. By 2018, that rose to 6,283. With more cars and more pedestrians on the road, it is clear that drivers, pedestrians, and government officials need to do more to reduce the risk of motor vehicle/pedestrian collisions. While the number of pedestrians killed in car accidents dropped slightly to 6,237 in 2019, the numbers will likely start to rise again.
Adults over the age of 50, minorities, and low-income individuals are at the greatest risk of a fatal accident. Reasons for this include lack of sidewalks, lack of sufficient lighting on the roads, hearing and vision loss, and limited mobility. All of these factors can contribute to a fatal accident.
Prioritizing Safety Is Critical
Nevada was the 11th most dangerous state in the nation for pedestrian/vehicle accidents from 2010-2019. During this period, 122 pedestrians were killed in accidents. The State of Nevada, the City of Las Vegas, and the federal government can help reduce the rates of fatal motor vehicle/pedestrian accidents by making funds and programs available to reduce the risk. This includes lowering speed limits, increasing line of sight around intersections, removing obstructions from roadways, and ensuring that all crosswalks are properly marked and governed by stop signals and other traffic safety devices. While this represents a considerable investment in infrastructure, the data shows that it is an investment that is worth every cent. If current trends continue and nothing is done, the number of pedestrians killed will far exceed the number killed in drunk driving accidents.
