Las Vegas, NV (07/22/25) – In response to the area’s unique risks, Clark County has taken a step forward by beginning the installation of a new signalized crosswalk near Convention Center Drive and Las Vegas Boulevard. Pedestrian safety has been a growing concern along the Las Vegas Strip for years. To date this year, Clark County has already reported 40 pedestrian deaths. With high foot traffic, flashing lights, and constant vehicle flow, the area around Convention Center Drive and Las Vegas Boulevard has long been considered a danger zone for those crossing the street.
The crosswalk aims to improve pedestrian access across one of the busiest stretches of road in Las Vegas—an area known for hosting large events, high tourism volumes, and a mix of locals and out-of-town visitors. According to county officials, the goal is simple: reduce the number of crashes involving pedestrians and prevent tragic outcomes.
What the New Crosswalk Offers
Upon completion, the Convention Center area crosswalk will include flashing beacons, high-visibility markings, and pedestrian countdown signals. These features are designed to make it easier for drivers to notice people trying to cross and for pedestrians to make safer decisions while navigating traffic.
Traffic engineers noted that this location has long been an issue due to the distance between existing crosswalks. With long stretches of road and heavy vehicle speeds, pedestrians often risk crossing mid-block. The new crosswalk is intended to give them a safer, more accessible option.
Why This Area Matters
The Las Vegas Convention Center draws millions of attendees annually. When major events are in session, foot traffic swells, often overflowing into surrounding streets. Combined with nearby hotels, casinos, and attractions, the volume of pedestrians in this part of the Strip can create dangerous interactions between people and cars.
In the past, there have been multiple high-profile incidents involving pedestrians being struck in or near this intersection. Such incidents underscore the need for infrastructure improvements, particularly in areas where pedestrians have been struck while crossing outside designated zones, which remains a recurring issue in parts of the Strip like the Convention Center area.
A Pattern of Preventable Pedestrian Accidents
Las Vegas pedestrian accidents are not commonly random events. Rather, they tend to follow clear patterns tied to where and how people cross.
Mid-Block Crossings and Risky Behavior
One of the most dangerous habits among pedestrians in Las Vegas is mid-block crossing, especially in high-traffic areas like the Strip. Long gaps between signalized crossings often tempt people to cross wherever it’s convenient, regardless of whether it’s safe.
Unfortunately, mid-block crossings frequently lead to severe or fatal injuries. Pedestrians might assume drivers can see them in time or misjudge vehicle speed. And when visibility is reduced at night, these risks compound.
What the Numbers Show
Clark County consistently ranks high in Nevada for pedestrian-related crashes and fatalities. In fact, Nevada has seen a troubling increase in pedestrian deaths in recent years, much of it concentrated in the Las Vegas Valley.
While driver negligence plays a role, the lack of adequate pedestrian infrastructure in some sections of the Strip also contributes to the problem. Installing more crosswalks, particularly those with safety-enhancing technology, can help change that.
Will One Crosswalk Be Enough?
While the new crosswalk is a welcome step, it raises a larger question: is one crosswalk sufficient to make the Strip safer?
The new crosswalk near Convention Center Drive is a positive development. It addresses a specific high-risk location and adds another layer of protection for foot traffic. But it’s just one part of a broader challenge: making Las Vegas safe for everyone who walks its streets.
Safety advocates have long pushed for more proactive solutions, from better lighting and signage to curb extensions and pedestrian-only zones. Infrastructure can’t solve everything, but it does shift the odds in favor of safety.
Lessons from Other Cities
Cities like San Francisco and New York have dramatically reduced pedestrian deaths by redesigning roads and investing in smart traffic systems. Raised crosswalks, pedestrian refuge islands, and timed signals have made a measurable difference.
Las Vegas may benefit from adopting a similar playbook—especially in tourism-heavy zones where walking is the norm. Questions remain, though, about whether Las Vegas is doing enough to ensure pedestrian safety on the Strip. Steps like this new crosswalk show that progress is happening, even if incrementally.
How Infrastructure and Driver Behavior Intersect
Crosswalks improve safety but don’t eliminate all risks. Driver awareness and behavior play a major role in preventing pedestrian injuries. This section looks at the interaction between roadway design and driver responsibility, and how liability often comes into play after accidents.
Crosswalks Help, But Don’t Eliminate Risk
Installing a crosswalk doesn’t guarantee safety. It improves the environment, but it’s only part of the equation. Drivers still need to yield. Pedestrians still need to remain alert. The real-world impact of this installation will depend on how drivers and walkers interact with the new signal system.
Legal Responsibility After a Pedestrian Accident
Pedestrian accidents often involve complex questions about liability. Was the pedestrian crossing legally? Was the driver speeding or distracted? These issues come up frequently in motor vehicle accident claims involving pedestrians.
Those injured in pedestrian crashes may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care. But recovering those damages requires building a strong legal case that accounts for both driver behavior and environmental factors, like whether a safe crosswalk was available or not. That is why it’s important to work with a lawyer after a pedestrian crash.
Looking Ahead: Building a Safer Las Vegas
Efforts to improve pedestrian safety are ongoing. Beyond adding crosswalks, city planners and safety advocates focus on a network of improvements and cultural shifts to reduce accidents. Here’s what the future might hold.
A Network of Safe Crossings
This latest crosswalk is one of several recent infrastructure improvements in the Las Vegas Valley. Clark County has worked with traffic safety engineers to identify hot spots for pedestrian crashes and develop targeted solutions.
Still, the work is far from over. Areas near resorts, event venues, and transit stops need particular attention. Lighting, signage, and traffic patterns must be continually reevaluated as the city grows.
Encouraging Safe Walking and Driving
Culture matters, too. Reducing pedestrian injuries will take more than concrete and paint. It will require a shared understanding, among locals and visitors alike, that safety is everyone’s responsibility.
Local governments, transportation agencies, and law firms all have a role to play. From public education campaigns to enforcing speed limits, collective efforts can change outcomes.
Injured in a Pedestrian Crash? Talk to a Las Vegas Attorney Today
At George Bochanis Injury Law Offices, we understand the serious impact of pedestrian accidents. If you were hit by a vehicle while crossing the street, whether inside or outside a marked crosswalk, we’re here to help you understand your legal options.
Our office in Las Vegas handles all types of motor vehicle and pedestrian accident cases. We’re committed to helping you recover the compensation you deserve so you can focus on healing.
Call us today at 702-388-2005 for a free consultation.
