Carson City Sheriff's Office addresses pedestrian safety measures on Nevada roadways
The Carson City Sheriff’s Office would like to welcome everyone into a new year with some traffic safety tips regarding pedestrians on the roadway. This educational message is not only for the motorists but also the pedestrians walking on Nevada roadways.
Pedestrians have the right-of-way at crosswalks. However, pedestrians do have to abide by certain rules of the road when entering Nevada roadways:
— Pedestrians may not suddenly leave a curb and dart into a crosswalk when oncoming vehicles are so close that it may be impossible for them to stop.
— When the “Don’t Walk” or “Red Hand” is illuminated, pedestrians who are already in the crosswalk may finish crossing. Pedestrians on the curb who have not entered the crosswalk must remain on the curb for the next pedestrian light cycle.
— Pedestrians must walk on the right half of crosswalks whenever practicable.
— Pedestrians may not cross an intersection diagonally unless authorized by official traffic-control devices.
— Pedestrians who choose to cross a street outside of a marked crosswalk must yield to oncoming motorists.
Motorists are required to yield to pedestrians within marked crosswalks under Nevada law. Therefore, all drivers are required to come to a complete stop at crosswalks when pedestrians are crossing. When pedestrians are unlawfully on the roadway outside of a crosswalk, drivers are encouraged to exercise caution to avoid a collision.
Law enforcement personnel will continue to enforce traffic safety laws year-round as part of their commitment to reduce accidents and save lives. Whether you're the driver, a passenger, or pedestrian, the Carson City Sheriff’s Office reminds everyone to make safety on our roadways their top priority.