If you don’t mind traveling on foot, Vegas is a very walkable city. Walking will open up a number of benefits. You can enjoy an unobstructed view of the city’s glitz and glamour and avoid the stress of navigating congested roads. You can get good exercise and burn off the calories from restaurant meals. You can save money on gas (or taxi or ridesharing fees), and walking is eco-friendly as well.
(Pixabay / chrissharkman)
For all of the advantages of walking in Vegas, however, there are some drawbacks. Pedestrian accidents are common in the city, usually due to drunk or distracted motorists. Mugging and pickpocketing are also concerns, as thieves prey on gamblers exiting casinos with their winnings or tourists sidetracked by the city’s sights.
If you plan to walk Vegas streets after dark, here are a few rules to help you stay safe:
- Stay on the beaten path. Wandering into less-traveled areas of the city may seem exotic but could land you in crime-infested neighborhoods where you are at risk for robberies, assault, or more.
- Know your route ahead of time. You can make yourself a target for pickpocketers if you are distracted with a map or smartphone, trying to figure out where you’re going.
- Follow the rules of the road. If you’re in a hurry, you may be tempted to ignore the red hand and cross the street anyway, but it’s never worth breaking traffic laws to save a couple of minutes.
- Don’t make assumptions. It’s unsafe to assume that a driver will see you and will stop, even if they are supposed to. If you’re crossing a street, look carefully, even if you have the right of way. Distracted motorists may not be playing by the rules and could hit you. It’s also a good idea to make eye contact with the driver. If you can get a glimpse of their face, you can verify that they are focusing on the road. If they’re texting or talking on their phone, think twice about walking in front of them.
- Wear light or bright colors. White or brightly-colored clothing will help make you as visible as possible, no matter how late it is. Note that during the winter, it gets dark much earlier, so wearing light or bright colors is a good idea, even if you’re just out for dinner and a show.
If you are injured while traveling on foot in the Vegas area due to someone else’s negligence, contact Tingey Injury Law Firm. Whether you need an accident attorney in Henderson, Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, or Summerlin, our lawyers can provide a wealth of experience to help you navigate Nevada’s personal injury laws and get the maximum compensation for your claim.