Most Dangerous Intersections for Pedestrians in Las Vegas

By
Madeleine Jones
September 19, 2019
Drivers and pedestrians must follow the rules of the road to avoid accidents. However, not all drivers take care to prevent pedestrian collisions – leading to injury and death. Certain intersections in Las Vegas carry a higher risk to pedestrians than others. If you are a pedestrian in Nevada, take extra caution when crossing these dangerous intersections, especially if you’re jaywalking.
#1: Tropicana Avenue and South Decatur Boulevard
This intersection is just outside of the Orleans Hotel & Casino and is notorious for heavy foot and vehicle traffic. A very popular area just off the Las Vegas strip, this intersection could pose dangers for tourists and locals alike. Since most people exploring this area are on foot, this intersection can see a high number of pedestrian collisions.
#2: East Charleston Boulevard and South Lamb Boulevard
Another area where traffic collisions are quite common in Las Vegas is the intersection of East Charleston and South Lamb. This intersection is in Northeast Las Vegas, away from the tourist-heavy areas, but still frequented by local Las Vegas residents. This intersection sees traffic coming from all four directions, which makes it a hotspot for vehicle accidents – including collisions with pedestrians.
#3: Tropicana Avenue and Pecos Road
Another hotspot for pedestrian collisions in Las Vegas includes Tropicana and Pecos. Numerous shops and restaurant that Las Vegas residents frequent populate this intersection, leading to heavy foot and vehicle traffic. As a result, many collisions occur at this intersection between vehicles and pedestrians.
#4: West Sahara Avenue and Arville Street
One of the most notoriously dangerous intersection in Las Vegas is at West Sahara and Arville. Since the area is close to the Strip, lots of foot and vehicle traffic passes through these two streets. Heavy traffic flows from all four directions, including locals and tourists alike. Many collisions have occurred here, including a pedestrian fatality in 2015.
#5: Paradise Road and East Tropicana Avenue
Many people pass through the intersection at Paradise Road and East Tropicana Avenue, including Vegas locals headed to work, UNLV students headed to class, and tourists exploring the local area. However, this intersection is a hotbed for pedestrian and vehicle collisions alike – since so many people pass through this area, many accidents can occur.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians
While you may be at risk on certain roadways in Nevada, walking in these areas does not guarantee an accident. When navigating these dangerous intersections, you can take the following precautions to avoid a collision.
- Always walk on a designated sidewalk or footpath – do not venture into the roadway! If no pedestrian walkway is available, walk facing traffic and as far from passing vehicles as you can.
- Never cross the street in a place without a crosswalk or intersection. Drivers will not expect to see a pedestrian and you could heighten your accident risk.
- If a crosswalk or intersection is not available for you to cross at, cross in a place that is well-lit and when there is a sizable gap in traffic. While you are crossing, keep an eye out for approaching traffic.
- If you are walking during the day, wear bright clothing. If you are walking at night, wear reflective materials or carry a flashlight.
- Do not assume that drivers see you. Make eye contact with drivers when you are crossing the street to ensure that they see you.
- Take caution when approaching driveways that back out onto the street. A driver may not see you when he or she is quickly pulling out of his or her home.
- Remember the rule you learned as a child: look both ways before crossing the street! Do not enter an intersection if a car does not look like it is going to stop.
While these intersections may be the most dangerous for pedestrians, accidents can occur on any Nevada road with a careless driver. If you are the victim of a pedestrian accident, you may suffer from severe injuries that lead to months of lost wages, expensive medical bills, and a reduced quality of life. Contact a Las Vegas pedestrian accident attorney to discuss your options for legal action against the at-fault driver, and to seek financial compensation.