Walking is arguably one of the best forms of exercise that there is, and therefore one of the best ways to get around. Indeed, not only does walking give you a chance to move your body, but it is also better for the earth than is driving, and may even be more convenient depending upon things like traffic and parking availability. Indeed, in Las Vegas where both can be a problem, one might be better off walking to see the sites and navigate the town.
But the problem with walking is that it isn’t always safe. Someone who walks in Las Vegas may not only be at risk of being the victim of a crime, such as pickpocketing, mugging, or even assault, but may also be at risk of being struck by a car. At night, the risks are increased. Here’s an overview of what you need to know about walking in Las Vegas and safety at night–
Is it Safe to Walk in Las Vegas?
Tour guides and locals will probably tell you that if you want to see Las Vegas, you should do so on foot. But every year, there are pedestrian accidents, crimes, and even heat-related injuries that occur in the city. So how safe is it really?
Perhaps the biggest threat to those who travel by foot is the risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident. To be sure, the Las Vegas Review Journal reports that the rate of pedestrian accidents is on the rise across the United States, and Nevada is no exception. In fact, Nevada ranks 11th in the nation in terms of number of pedestrian deaths, and saw a 24 percent increase in pedestrian accidents from 2015 to 2016. While the article in the Journal does not provide city-specific information, all it takes is a quick search online to discover story after story about pedestrians being involved in accidents in Las Vegas.
Is it Safe to Jog in Las Vegas?
Those who jog in Las Vegas face the same risks as those who walk, and may even face an elevated risk of being hit by a car. This is because joggers are often distracted by music, or have a goal to finish their route as quickly as possible, and therefore may not be keen to wait for lights to turn or yield to traffic as such.
In addition to the risk of being struck by a car, there are other concerns about walking or jogging in the city, too. These include:
High temperatures can cause heat-related injuries. Las Vegas is a hot place to live or vacation; it is not uncommon for temperatures to top 100 degrees Fahrenheit multiple days in a row. This means that those outdoors may face the risk of injuries related to heat and sun exposure, including:
- Sunburn;
- Heat exhaustion;
- Heat cramps;
- Heat rash; and
- Heat stroke.
Keep in mind that even at night, temperatures can remain high, and too hot to comfortably jog.
Robberies and muggings. Another risk for those on foot: the risk of being robbed or mugged, right there on the street. In especially packed places, pickpocketing may also be a risk. Those who are coming out of casinos and are walking out with their winnings in their pockets may be targets. In fact, an article in LasVegasNOW.com explains that even “prostitution these days is more about robberies than sex.” If you’re approached by anyone, be on guard.
Assault. Finally, those who walk or run in Las Vegas, especially when it is dark out, while alone, or in areas known to be dangerous may be at risk of assault, sexual assault, or rape. While less of a risk, it is something to be aware of.
How to Stay Safe While Walking or Running in Las Vegas
Knowing how to stay safe while walking or running in Las Vegas is important, even if you’re walking in a crowded area and think that nothing could possibly happen to you. Here are some tips for avoiding being the victim of an accident or injury:
- Follow traffic laws. It can be tempting to cross the street when the light is red if you don’t see anyone in sight. However, following all traffic laws and yielding to vehicles when you are required to do so is one of the best ways to avoid becoming the victim of a pedestrian crash. What’s more, if you are hit by a car and it is found that you contributed to the accident via an act of negligence, your compensation award could be reduced.
- Look before crossing. Before you cross the street in Las Vegas, even if a traffic signal indicates that you have the right-of-way, look both ways. Never assume that drivers will stop just because the light indicates that they should do so. Many pedestrian accidents occur because of driver negligence and distraction.
- Wear something that helps drivers to see you. If you’re walking in the middle of the day in a crowd of people, what you’re wearing may not be as important. But if you’re walking or jogging in the early morning hours or at night when visibility isn’t as good, wearing reflective materials and light and bright colors will help cars be able to identify you.
- Get out of the sun if you start to get hot. If you start to get too hot, the easiest way to avoid a heat-related injury is to get out of the sun and drink plenty of water. As you walk outdoor, use a hat to cover your face, and don’t forget about the sunblock!
- Avoid dangerous areas. Finally, as you walk or run in Las Vegas, avoid areas that are known to be dangerous. SmarterTravel has published a great article that goes over some of the known risks of certain areas of Las Vegas that you can review.
Call Our Law Firm If You’re Involved in an Accident or Suffer an Injury While Walking or Jogging in Las Vegas
If you do decide to traverse Las Vegas on foot, a map of walking distances, which you can find on our website, will come in handy. We hope that you’ll utilize the safety tips listed above, and won’t have any reason to call our law offices for representation.
If you are involved in an accident or are the victim of a crime, we can help. To learn more about what your rights are after being involved in an accident, call our personal injury and pedestrian accident attorneys at the Ladah Law Firm, PLLC today. Reach us at 702-252-0055, or contact us online today.