LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — Las Vegas roadways are full of people heading to and from school, work and everywhere in between. And many residents take to the streets on foot.
This choice can be just as dangerous as being behind the wheel, says a local traffic safety expert.
This past weekend, police said a car crashed into a man and his dog as they were standing on the corner of Charleston Boulevard and Bruce Street.
He was rushed to UMC in critical condition, and his pet dog died on impact.
“Never think that even a curb that high is going to stop a car from coming up," traffic safety expert Erin Breen said.
Breen also shared her most significant piece of advice: stand back.
“Not thinking that you’re superhuman, and you’re going to get out of the way of a car traveling 45 miles per hour, but if you see two cars that are going to run into each other, you might be able to jump far enough not to lose your life,” said Breen.
Folks merely walking along the sidewalk aren’t the only ones who could inadvertently get hit. As Breen said people waiting at bus stops, either on a bunch or on the curb, are also likely to get struck.
Pedestrians were reminded to remain alert with eyes and ears open and not be distracted when it came to their safety.
“Keep your head up, look out, pay attention to what’s happening around you,” said Breen.
While many are getting ready for the most wonderful time of the year, Breen adds that law enforcement is gearing up for the worst time of the year for traffic and pedestrian-related crashes.
“It’s also that time of year we see pedestrian fatalities increase because days are shorter and there's more darkness, and we dress in darker
clothes in the winter time,” said Breen.
The traffic safety expert also said pedestrians should also carry a flashlight and have reflective gear, especially at night.
These items can be requested for free here.
