Efforts to Increase Pedestrian Safety Take Hold in Nevada and Kentucky

With a new Governors Highway Safety Association report estimating that the number of pedestrian fatalities jumped 10 percent in 2015, the highest ever, we look at efforts in Nevada and Louisville, Ky. to increase pedestrian safety.

2 minute read

March 11, 2016, 9:00 AM PST

By Irvin Dawid


In their March 8 press release for their new report (posted here), the Governors Highway Safety Association "also asked its state members to share examples of strategies underway to reduce pedestrian and motor vehicle collisions." Local media reported on such efforts in Nevada and Louisville, Ky.

The Silver State had the fourth highest pedestrian fatality rate (deaths per 100K population) in 2014 after New Mexico, Florida and Delaware, according to Table 2 on page 8 of the report [PDF]. Deaths increased 20 percent to 24 in the first six months of 2015, according to Table 3.

"Pedestrian fatalities have reached an epidemic level, according to the Nevada Department of Transportation," writes Kailyn Brown for the Las Vegas Sun. "In response, NDOT is launching the ePEDemic.org website and awareness campaign."

“ePEDemic.org is a statewide information campaign that reminds pedestrians and drivers to be more aware,” NDOT spokesman Tony Illia said. "NDOT is also making road engineering improvements that can ultimately help save lives, Illa said."

For example, see the photo of the "Danish offset" in the median area of Maryland Parkway near University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Essentially it is a crosswalk that "makes an S turn, slowing down pedestrians and making them look at traffic before they cross."

"Two years in a row now we’ve had record pedestrian fatalities,” said Erin Breen, UNLV director of the Vulnerable Road Users Project. “We’re not doing any better. We’ve got to do more.”

"Louisville, Ky. has been considered one of the most dangerous cities in the country for pedestrians," writes Danielle Lama for WDRB (and states in news broadcast). "So to try and keep walkers safe, officials are changing the timing of some traffic lights."

Pedestrians will get the green walk light four seconds before the motorists get the green.

"It's a proven safety measure that improves pedestrian safety," said Metro Public Works Assistant Director Jeff Brown. "We get them out in front of the vehicles before they have a chance to go, so the pedestrian is clearly visible to any car that's stopped at the intersection." 

However, Brown's department was recently ridiculed in Broken Sidewalk and Streetsblog, posted here, for removing a sidewalk in a street median in the name of improving public safety.

Hat tip to AASHTO Daily Transportation Update

Tuesday, March 8, 2016 in Las Vegas Sun

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

3 hours ago - Diana Ionescu

Front of Walmart store with sign.

Walmart Announces Nationwide EV Charging Network

The company plans to install electric car chargers at most of its stores by 2030.

May 7, 2025 - Inc.

Aerial view of Chicago with river in foreground.

Chicago Approves Green Affordable Housing Plan

The Mayor’s plan calls for creating a nonprofit housing corporation tasked with building affordable housing that meets Green Building standards.

May 8, 2025 - CBS News Chicago

Close-up on e-scooters parked in painted designated parking area on city street.

E-Scooter Parking: A Guide

How smart planning — and ample designated parking — can end conflicts over shared scooters.

4 seconds ago - Streetsblog USA

Aerial view of Bozeman, Montana with mountains in background.

‘It’s Been 50 years’: Public Transit Law Passes in Montana

Legislation would fix transportation district issue, allow for greater reach on city bus routes.

1 hour ago - Daily Montanan

Illustration of nighttime city with white lines connecting nodes to illustrate technology and connectivity

Top 10 Tech-Ready Cities

An index ranks U.S. cities based on their preparedness for the ‘smart city future.’

2 hours ago - Smart Cities Dive