HO-Ho—No!

HO-Ho—No!

As part of our on-going efforts to educate the public about the role they play in eliminating pedestrian fatalities, law enforcement will join together on Tuesday, December 18^th to enforce pedestrian laws. The morning will be spent on Silverado Ranch Blvd and Placid, just east of Las Vegas Blvd, reminding drivers that when they have time to stop for pedestrians crossing the street, that, by law, they must stop to let the person walking get safely across the lanes in the direction the driver is traveling.

In the afternoon, officers will be across the area reminding pedestrians that, by law, they are only allowed to cross at intersections or marked mid-block crosswalks. If Santa has trouble crossing the street, what chance do mere mortals have of getting safely across?

• As a reminder, wherever two streets cross, pedestrians have the right-of-way; there does not have to be a painted crosswalk for the walker to legally cross the street.
• When turning right, drivers must wait for pedestrians crossing; when a person is waiting next to the car, they pedestrian goes first, and the driver must wait until the walker has made it half way across the street. If there were pedestrians on the opposite corner, who are crossing toward the driver, and they have reached the middle of the street, the driver must stay stopped for them until they are on the sidewalk.
• It is illegal for any driver to pass a stopped vehicle at any intersection or marked mid-block crosswalk until the driver can determine why the other vehicle is stopped.
• Pedestrians are not allowed to dash-out and not give drivers time to see them, react and stop. If the driver does not have stop to stop it is not their fault. In this enforcement the stopping distance for the posted speed limit plus 10 mph is marked off and noted with a cone.
• Pedestrians should do whatever they can to help drivers see them; lights, reflectors and light-colored clothing help drivers see you! If a car is traveling at 40 mph, it takes close to a football field’s length to see you, react and stop.

These are just some tips to help keep you safer this holiday season; as always, the best tips are to make sure you have enough time to safely get to your destination, drive and walk sober, use safety equipment!

Whatever holiday you and your family celebrate, we hope it is Merry, Peaceful and Safe!