Source link : https://las-vegas-news.com/las-vegas-strip-grapples-with-jaywalking-surge-and-traffic-standoffs/
Hordes of Pedestrians Overwhelm Crosswalks (Image Credits: Unsplash)
Las Vegas Strip – Crowds of tourists dash across bustling intersections against red lights, transforming the neon-lit artery into a gauntlet for drivers and a perceived haven for pedestrians.
Hordes of Pedestrians Overwhelm Crosswalks
Visitors flood smaller intersections in waves, ignoring signals and halting vehicles in their tracks. A local resident captured the frustration in a letter published last week, noting how hundreds trickle or surge across despite the lights.[1] These groups scatter only at the sight of approaching officers, revealing the thin thread of compliance.
The phenomenon turns routine drives into ordeals, with cars idling amid the pedestrian deluge. Critics question whether casino operators envision a fully car-free zone, though the Strip’s four-mile span would burden even foot traffic.
Enforcement Lull Traces Back to Policy Changes
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department halted jaywalking citations in 2023 through an internal memo. The decision followed a 2021 state law that downgraded the violation to a civil infraction with fines up to $100.[2]
Officials cited officer safety and scant evidence linking tickets to fewer deaths. Metro Undersheriff Andrew Walsh emphasized prioritizing major risks like speeding and red-light running over minor infractions.[2] Yet three years later, the approach draws sharp rebukes from safety advocates.
Nearby agencies diverge: Henderson issued…
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Author : Matthias Binder
Publish date : 2026-02-16 21:40:00
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