Crosswalk laws to be enforced Friday

Carson City deputies will be watching crosswalks in town for errant drivers on Friday.

A decoy, trained in the law, will begin to cross the street in crosswalks and any drivers who don't stop will be issued $142 citations for failing to stop for pedestrians. The offense also puts four demerit points on a person's driving record.

According to the Nevada Department of Transportation, 1,166 pedestrians were injured and 64 killed in 2002, the last numbers available.

The number of pedestrian fatalities increased from 46 in 2000 to 64 in 2002.

In 2002, most pedestrian crashes occurred from noon to 9 p.m., with a peak from 3-6 p.m.

Deputy Jarrod Adams said a deputy dressed in plain clothes will use crosswalks on Carson and Stewart streets.

"If you don't stop for the person in the crosswalk, you will get a ticket," he said.

"If you are driving and you see a pedestrian in a crosswalk in your lane of travel, you must yield to them, it's the law."

Nevada law states pedestrians in crosswalks and at intersections have the right-of-way over vehicles.

Adams also reminds drivers that if they see traffic in another lane stopped, it's a fair indication that someone might be in a crosswalk.

"Use caution and check for pedestrians. Don't just go past the stopped vehicle," he said.

Deputies working this detail will be paid for their overtime with a grant from the Office of Traffic Safety, Department of Public Safety.

If you have questions about this crosswalk detail, contact Adams at 887-2020 ext. 5314 or Sgt. Cullen at 887-2020 ext. 3171.