According to Nevada law, local and state officials may designate or determine particular sections of public roadways as Pedestrian Safety Zones, indicated by appropriate signage or road markings. Reduced speed limits may be imposed within these safety zones. Due to the nature of regulations surrounding Pedestrian Safety Zones, fines for speeding may be up to two times more than the normal fine or violation for speeding. The purpose of Pedestrian Safety Zones is to alert drivers to be more conscious and aware of the area and likelihood of pedestrians being present. Deaths and serious injuries resulting from pedestrian related motor vehicle accidents have increased exponentially over the years, and it is important to be aware of necessary slow downs to allow for pedestrian safety and right-of-way. In 2015, Pedestrian Safety Zones were passed in Nevada and signed into law.
Am I in a Pedestrian Safety Zone?
Similar to School Zones or Work Zones, Pedestrian Safety Zones are recognized by Nevada law, requiring drivers to be notified by state mandated signage and road markings. Pedestrian Safety Zones are more permanent and should be acknowledged at any time of the day or evening, even if pedestrians are not present at that moment. It is always safe to take additional caution when approaching or passing Pedestrian Safety Zones, just in case. The Nevada Department of Transportation or local government monitors high pedestrian trafficked areas and designates Pedestrian Safety Zones, based on the circumstances of the road and potential dangers present.
Pedestrian Safety Zone Signage
Pedestrian Safety Zones should have the following types or positions of signage present to make drivers and passengers aware of upcoming zones:
- Before the beginning of a Pedestrian Safety Zone, one that provides notice that higher fines may apply for breaking the speed limit within the zone.
- Marking the beginning of the Pedestrian Safety Zone, where fines are in effect.
- Marking the end of the Pedestrian Safety Zone, when regulations are no longer in effect.
If a Pedestrian Safety Zone fails to show specified signage, you may not be subjected to charges or increased fines and the court may decide not to impose punishment, if evidence is presented to the court that these signs were not in the proper placements at the time of one’s violation. Useful evidence may include, but is not limited to, any surveillance photos or videos from dash cams, passengers, etc., or eyewitness or expert testimonies on the matter.
Speeding in a Pedestrian Safety Zone is not seen as an additional misdemeanor charge, beyond the typical misdemeanor for speeding, but it does allow the court to increase, often double, any penalties and fines stemming from the additional case and charger.
As a whole, Nevada ranks steady among the 10 worst states for pedestrian injuries and fatalities. Almost 90% of drivers and pedestrians involved in these fatal crashes are local residents and not even tourists or visitors.
Some Safety Tips for Pedestrians
- Always walk on the sidewalk, when you can, or walk on the left facing traffic if no sidewalk is present.
- Wait to cross at intersections, if possible. It might be a little longer of a walk, but walk the extra steps! Using marked crosswalks and obeying pedestrian signals will help you stay safe.
- Look left, look right, then look left again before crossing the street.
- Drivers need to see you to avoid you. Make sure they see you before stepping out into the road and make eye contact with drivers and passengers.
- Avoid the driver’s blind spots.
- Wear bright colored clothing during the day or night. If you have reflective clothing, wear it when walking at night. Don’t wear black, when possible!
Your Go-To: Ticket Busters
At Ticket Busters, we represent a variety of drivers who received traffic tickets in the Clark County, Nevada, area, especially within Las Vegas limits. Whether you are a tourist visiting our great city, or a Nevada state resident, representation matters and we are a team you can truly trust. We will represent you, or your loved one, with appropriate court needed and negotiate to reduce your charges, fines, and points. Charges may often be reduced to a non-moving violation, which saves you from expensive fines and a conviction on your record. Text your ticket or turn to us for your Pedestrian Safety Zone needs.
