A 9-year-old boy was not seriously injured Wednesday when a vehicle failed to stop for him in the crosswalk on Williams Avenue. The Nevada Highway Patrol is placing an increased emphasis on pedestrian safety during the month of May.
With summer time approaching more pedestrians will be out and about in our community.
We are focusing on pedestrian safety and reducing collisions involving them. Drivers must exercise due care to avoid a collision with a pedestrian at all times. NRS 484B.283 law covers right-of-way in a crosswalk, overtaking vehicle at crosswalk and obedience to signals and other devices for control of traffic.
Remember, crosswalks exist at any intersection, whether there are pavement markings or not. When official traffic-control devices are not in place or not in operation the driver of a vehicle shall yield the right-of-way, slowing down or stopping if need be so to yield, to a pedestrian crossing the highway within a crosswalk when the pedestrian is upon the half of the highway upon which the vehicle is traveling, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the highway as to be in danger.
Whenever a vehicle is stopped at a marked crosswalk or at an unmarked crosswalk at an intersection, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not overtake and pass the stopped vehicle until the driver has determined that the vehicle being overtaken was not stopped for the purpose of permitting a pedestrian to cross the highway.
Bicycle riders are not pedestrians and must obey all traffic laws. A bicyclist becomes a pedestrian when they dismount the bicycle and walk it across the roadway.
A pedestrian shall not suddenly leave a curb or place of safety and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield. When you are crossing the street, make eye contact with the drivers, to ensure they see you.
Troopers from the Fallon/Fernley District of the Nevada Highway Patrol will be vigilante for any violations in dealing with pedestrian safety. Special enforcement programs will be conducted within our community utilizing officers in plain clothes, assisting uniformed officers. The purpose of these directed enforcement programs will also focus on distracted driving which is a contributing factor in many vehicle vs. pedestrian collisions.
Remember to be patient and courteous when driving and make our highways safe for all of us to travel on.