Police zero in on pedestrian safety

Heather Cory

Sgt. Dave Smith, of the North Las Vegas Police Department, discusses how his department has been targeting pedestrian safety during a press conference at UNLV’s Tam Alumni Center on Monday.

By Ashley Livingston

Friday, Sept. 5, 2008 | 1:18 p.m.

Heather Cory

Rachel Marcus wipes away her tears as she talks about the day her son, Carlton, was hit by a car. Her son has since healed physically. Marcus addressed the media during a news conference at UNLV's Tam Alumni on Monday.

Heather Cory

Bill Redfairn, a fatal crash investigator for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, discusses ways to improve pedestrian and driver safety during a press conference at UNLV's Tam Alumni Center on Monday.

Throughout the month of September, residents can expect to see an increased police presence at crosswalks all over Southern Nevada.

The increased oversight of pedestrian-related laws is part of a campaign sponsored by UNLV's Safe Community Partnership, the Regional Transportation Commission and participating law enforcement agencies. The campaign includes radio ads, street and in-bus messages urging motorists and pedestrians to be more aware of one another.

According to a statement by the Safe Community Partnership, pedestrian fatalities are down in Clark County this year; however, at 34 deaths, the number is only down by three when compared to last year.

Pedestrian fatalities have outnumbered motor vehicle fatalities so far this year in the Metropolitan Police Department's jurisdiction, said investigator Bill Redfairn.

Partnership director Erin Breen said what will take place through this campaign is, "Plain and simple, straight-forward talk to motorists and pedestrians about personal safety when crossing."

Jerry Duke, from the RTC, said the commission is in the midst of creating a pedestrian safety plan that will go into action next month.

The commission will create a database to offer more information about events leading up to an accident in hopes that people will use that information to prevent future accidents, he said.

He said the RTC is also working on moving its bus shelters further away from the street to provide more of a pedestrian safety zone.

All of the law enforcement agencies in Clark County are stepping up enforcement this month and issuing tickets to those in violation of pedestrian laws at different crosswalks all over the valley.

The funding for the increased enforcement is being provided by Joining Forces, an entity funded through federal grants.

For years the agency has funded increased enforcement for "booze, belts and speed," said Program Manager Valerie Evans.

A need was recognized and a pedestrian component was added last year, she said.

Ashley Livingston is a reporter for the Home News. She can be reached at 990-8925 or ashley.livingston@hbcpub.com.