Las Vegas, NV (May 1st, 2025) – Boulder Highway, long known as one of the deadliest roads in Nevada for pedestrians, is now home to a new chain-link fence stretching nearly a mile from Flamingo Road to near Nellis Boulevard. The Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) installed the fence as part of a $2.1 million safety project aimed at curbing mid-block crossings, many of which have proven fatal.
Las Vegas, a vibrant metropolis teeming with tourists and residents alike, faces a significant challenge in ensuring pedestrian safety amidst its bustling streets. The unfortunate reality is that pedestrian accidents are not uncommon, often resulting in severe injuries or fatalities. The devastating consequences of these incidents are evident in the community. While various factors contribute to these accidents, a crucial element in mitigating risks and enhancing safety lies in the strategic implementation of physical barriers.
The Critical Need for Pedestrian Safety Measures in Las Vegas
Las Vegas’ unique environment, characterized by heavy traffic flow, numerous tourist attractions, and a 24/7 activity cycle, presents inherent risks to pedestrians. The constant interaction between vehicles and foot traffic, particularly in high-congestion areas like the Strip and downtown, increases the likelihood of accidents. This begs the question, then, “Is Las Vegas doing enough to ensure pedestrian safety on the Strip?”.
Factors such as driver negligence, distracted walking, and inadequate infrastructure contribute to the pedestrian safety problem in Las Vegas. Addressing this issue requires a multi-faceted approach, and the installation of physical barriers stands out as a tangible and effective strategy.
Types of Pedestrian Safety Barriers
A variety of barriers can be employed to enhance pedestrian safety, each offering different levels of protection and suitability for specific environments:
Guardrails
These sturdy barriers, typically made of steel or polymer, provide a robust physical separation between pedestrian walkways and vehicle traffic lanes. They are highly visible and capable of withstanding significant impact, making them ideal for high-risk areas.
Bollards
Short, sturdy posts strategically placed to delineate pedestrian zones and protect specific areas from vehicle intrusion. Their versatility and ease of installation make them a popular choice for sidewalks, crosswalks, and building perimeters.
Jersey Barriers (K-Rails)
Concrete or plastic barriers designed to redirect vehicles upon impact. While primarily used for traffic management, they can also offer substantial protection to pedestrians in high-speed areas.
Fencing
Chain-link or other types of fencing can effectively channel pedestrian flow and prevent jaywalking, guiding individuals towards safer crossing points like designated crosswalks. While the effectiveness of chain-link fences can vary depending on factors like height and continuity, their implementation demonstrates a recognition of the need for physical separation.
The section of Boulder Highway where fencing has recently been added accounted for 16 pedestrian fatalities between 2017 and 2021. Despite designated crosswalks being available, pedestrians frequently crossed multiple lanes of traffic mid-block. The newly installed fence is meant to channel foot traffic toward signalized intersections.
Landscaping and Planters
While not as robust as steel or concrete, strategically placed landscaping and large planters can create a visual and physical buffer between pedestrians and traffic, discouraging unsafe crossings.
Water-Filled Barriers
These portable barriers can be linked together to form temporary or semi-permanent protective zones, often used in construction sites or for event management to guide pedestrian traffic safely.
The Effectiveness of Pedestrian Barriers
The primary goal of pedestrian barriers is to create a physical and psychological deterrent against unsafe pedestrian behavior and to protect pedestrians from errant vehicles. Studies and real-world implementation have shown that well-designed and appropriately placed barriers can significantly reduce pedestrian accidents.
Channeling Pedestrian Flow
Barriers guide pedestrians towards designated crossing points, such as crosswalks and pedestrian bridges, where drivers are more likely to expect their presence. This reduces the incidence of jaywalking, a significant factor in many pedestrian accidents.
Preventing Mid-Block Crossings
In busy roadways, barriers along the median or sidewalks can discourage pedestrians from attempting to cross between intersections, where visibility for both pedestrians and drivers is often limited.
Creating Safe Zones
Barriers can protect sidewalks and pedestrian walkways from encroaching vehicles, especially in areas with high traffic volume or a history of vehicles leaving the roadway.
Improving Visibility
Some barriers, particularly guardrails and bollards, can be designed with reflective elements, enhancing their visibility to drivers, especially during nighttime or adverse weather conditions.
The implementation of pedestrian safety barriers is a proactive and essential step towards creating a safer environment for both residents and visitors in Las Vegas. While barriers alone cannot eliminate all risks, their strategic deployment in high-risk areas can significantly reduce the likelihood and severity of pedestrian-vehicle collisions.
Improving pedestrian safety on roads like Boulder Highway isn’t just about infrastructure—it’s about changing habits and encouraging smarter decisions. Physical barriers like fences, guardrails, and bollards can make a real difference when combined with education and enforcement.
If you or someone you know has been injured while walking in Las Vegas due to unsafe road conditions or negligent drivers, it’s important to understand your legal options. Consult with our experienced pedestrian accident lawyer at George Bochanis Injury Law Offices today to learn more. With more than 35 years of experience, local attorney George Bochanis will help you seek the maximum compensation for your injuries. Call 702-388-2005 for a free initial consultation.
