Editorial: ‘Lighted crosswalks’ could be lifesavers

Friday, Jan. 2, 2004 | 9:47 a.m.

Nearly 100 people within the jurisdiction of Metro Police have been killed since 2001 as the result of being hit by automobiles. The deaths include three teenage girls this past fall, who were all using crosswalks. Area statistics also show that there have been nearly 1,800 auto-pedestrian accidents since Sept. 1, 2000. We feel there would be a lot fewer of them if drivers who were speeding or ignoring lights or signs when they hit pedestrians faced more than traffic tickets. This is an issue that may be taken up by the 2005 Legislature.

In the meantime, we support keeping all crosswalk lines freshly painted. Too many crosswalks in the Las Vegas Valley are faded, which puts pedestrians at increased risk. Signs warning of crosswalks should be in place and, ideally, street lights and reflectors should keep crosswalks well illuminated at night. We also support a nationwide trend that goes beyond even these measures.

At the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, and at about 1,000 other locations around the country, there are "lighted crosswalks." They feature small fixtures embedded in the pavement all along both sides of the crosswalk that flash amber-colored light. They are activated only when a pedestrian is crossing. The city of Henderson is considering installing one at a new residential development, where a crosswalk leading to a park is expected to attract a lot of pedestrians. We hope the system is installed and that area planners study its effectiveness. It sounds like this could be a lifesaver in many parts of the valley.