Program to protect pedestrians is beginning Monday

The start of the new school year has prompted the Nevada Highway Patrol to urge motorists to be more pedestrian aware.

NHP plans to emphasize that effort, working with local law enforcement, through a program called Joining Forces beginning Monday.

A spokesman said there have been 29 pedestrian fatalities in Nevada so far this year. There were a total of 69 pedestrian deaths on Nevada roads last year.

They will be working to prevent more fatalities, especially in zones that have been determined to be dangerous for pedestrians.

Officials say motorists should be especially wary during the 6-9 a.m. period and between 1 and 4 p.m. — before and after school.

The period form 8 p.m. to dawn is also dangerous because of low visibility at night, the period when the majority of pedestrian fatalities happen.