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twitterPedestrian death sparks protest on Las Vegas Blvd.
Group jams traffic to highlight need for crosswalk improvements
Stephen R. Sylvanie / Special to the Home News
Police officers stop traffic while dozens of friends and family members of Verlaine Powless cross Las Vegas Boulevard South at the intersection of Wigwam Avenue on Saturday. The group is seeking action from county officials regarding conditions of the crosswalk.
Sun, Aug 31, 2008 (12:35 a.m.)
Stopping Traffic
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The hoods of vehicles were slapped, obscenities were shouted and the blasting of horns filled the air Saturday evening as tense moments passed between motorists and a group of protesters at the intersection of Wigwam Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard South.
The group of about 50 people, which disrupted traffic for at least a mile in both directions, was aiming to increase awareness for what it said is a need for a stop sign or a traffic signal at the intersection. The demonstration was in response to the death of a 19-year-old woman who was struck and killed as she tried to cross in the intersection's marked crosswalk last month.
Verlaine May Powless was killed at about 9 p.m. on July 25 after she was struck by a 2001 Chevy Tahoe driven by 38-year-old Angelo Hurst of Detroit, Mich., while she was crossing Las Vegas Boulevard South in an area that has pavement markings, signs and continuously flashing lights.
The group included friends and family members of the victim as well as area residents concerned about pedestrian safety. Despite the markings and lights, those who live in the area say the crosswalk is not safe.
"It's safer to jaywalk where you can stand on the median than it is to cross here," said Diana Maeda, a friend of Powless.
As the group repeatedly made its way across the street and back, several vehicles came close to striking the pedestrians and a few arguments broke out before police showed up and began directing both traffic and the protesters.
Guy Smith, one of the organizers of the protest, said the goal of those in attendance is for county officials to recognize the need for a stop sign or traffic signal at the intersection.
While neither of those things will be in place in the immediate future, Clark County Public Works spokesman Bobby Shelton said county technicians are currently looking into the feasibility of lowering the speed limit on that stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard South from 50 mph to 45 mph.
Shelton said the change could happen in the next 30 to 45 days.
Additionally, Shelton said the county has expedited plans for the placement of a traffic signal at that intersection.
"If (the county) can get the funding and get it designed, they hope to get it in place by the end of April," he said.
Powless' former boss, Brett Raftery, said that while he understands the placement of a signal will take time and money, the county can do something right now "so people can feel safe in their own neighborhood."
"Put two stop signs in until the light is ready," he said.
Smith said that until the intersection is improved, he will continue to lead similar protests.
Ashley Livingston is a reporter for the Home News. She can be reached at 990-8925 or ashley.livingston@hbcpub.com.
Discussion: 11 comments so far…
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Lowering the speed limit to 45 won't solve anything. Clark County could actually do something amazing here by immediately installing a signal.
Of course it won't happen though.
Same old same old...
My name is Melissa and I am Verlaine's cousin.
50 mph to 45 mph!!! That will not change anything!!! This is such a dangerous intersection and there are many cars that don't even pay attention to this crosswalk that in reality is non-existent!! WE NEED JUSTICE!! We can not have our precious Verlaine back but we can help save other lives!!
CLARK COUNTY: DO THE RIGHT THING!! PUT UP A STOPLIGHT NOW!!!
TO ALL:
Please assist the family in their request to install a stoplight at the intersection immediately, before another life is taken away and another family feels the horror of losing such a young life.
Please sign the online petition in loving memory of our precious VERLAINE MAY POWLESS.
May's family and friends sincerely thank you for your assistance and prayers during this tragic time.
PLEASE SIGN THE ONLINE PETITION @
'http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/VerlaineMayPowless'
Please visit and pay tribute or offer your condolences at VERLAINE MAY POWLESS' memorial website at 'http://verlainemaypowless.memory-of.com'
THANK YOU!
While this is horrible sad news and I wish the victims family all the best, I don't know if this area is proper for a crosswalk in the first place.
I personally think that a traffic light or a stop light is a bad idea here and that building a pedestrian overpass here would be a better cure. Not a fancy, elevator overpass like they have on the strip--rather a traditional pedestrian overpass bridge that pedestrians can walk up one side, cross safely, and walk back down the other side.
Doing this would solve both the safety problem that exists and the traffic problem that would arise with a stop light.
I am Verlaine's replacement at Cash Plus. Or I'm trying to be. Not a day goes by a customer does not miss or comment on what a wonderful beautiful smart and talented young woman Verlaine was. I feel very fortunate to work with people who accually care for the people they work with. Its amazing how a few people could stop traffic and place themselves in danger to do the right thing. Although I'm deeply saddened by the way I came to be employed at Cash Plus. I'm more certain than ever I made the correct choice. I will struggle and to try and fill the shoes of such a loved and missed co-worker. I work with people of depth and character. Now that's integrity. I will continue to listen to how Verlaine will be missed by our small staff and the customers who come into our store. I will encourage them to make a stand to stop such a needless tragedy from every happening again.
JLO
I applaud your protest. Changing the speed limit however, will not help this situation. A bridge would be best and should be planned for the future. We all know that if the county really wanted to do something about it, they could have a light installed in no time. Where is our Mayor stand on this? A 5 mph reduction does nothing for pedestrian safety, anyone who has lived here long enough know the dangers of speeding motorists. Most don't even konw they have a speedometer. The redtape BS really needs to stop. CLARK COUNTY, LISTEN TO YOUR CITIZENS!!
Clark county should be held liable because the current road markings do not meet DOT specifications.
Melissa, I'm sorry about your cousin. She was so young and it was so unnecessary. I hope the idiot responsible does some serious time.
Metro needs to step up and start stopping and ticketing vehicles who blast through a crosswalk while pedestrians are crossing.
I've lost track of how many times I've stopped for people crossing only to see the idiot in the lane next to me cruise straight through. I've even had people behind me pass me and gun through the crosswalk not giving a damn if they hit someone.
Those are the scumbags Metro needs to book for dangerous driving.
I think the Las Vegas police should have a check point at this intersection. Auto's MUST come to a stop at a marked intersection for a pedestrian crossing the street. Have a plain clothed cop cross the street & any autos that fail to stop are given a ticket. Its a good money maker for the city.
Welcome to Las Vegas! I've lived here for 8 years, and it never ceases to amaze me how efficiently and frequently we kill pedestrians and cyclists in this city, and how rarely the drivers involved face any punishment whatsoever. It seems the only way to get traffic signals installed at many intersections is for someone (and often several people) to be killed. I know from personal experience how difficult it is to cross in a marked crosswalk-- very few cars ever stop or even slow down, and drivers are never ticketed for such behavior. I hope this protest does some good, I really do (but I won't hold my breath).