As a pedestrian in Las Vegas, you will likely notice that the pedestrian crossing lights and the traffic lights are largely synced up. Pedestrians will have a walk symbol when the light is green, but they will have a do not walk symbol when the light is red. Pedestrians and drivers alike will wait at the intersection for these signals to change.
But the change does not happen simultaneously. If you are walking through a crosswalk, you will often see that you get the signal slightly before the cars get the green light. They still have to wait for three or four seconds, but you are allowed to enter the intersection. Why are the lights set up this way?
It helps prevent pedestrian accidents
Generally speaking, giving pedestrians a head start has been shown to reduce the likelihood of accidents. If someone is running or jogging, they may cross the entire traffic lane before other vehicles are allowed to move. But even if they are walking, they get to establish their position in the street first.
When there is not a delay, what sometimes happens is that the lights change at the same time, and both a pedestrian and a vehicle try to occupy the same space. The pedestrian steps into the crosswalk just as a driver begins to turn right, for instance. The driver does not see the pedestrian until the collision occurs. But if that person has a few seconds to walk out into the intersection, they are clearly visible and less likely to be hit.
Seeking compensation after a pedestrian accident
Systems like this do work to help keep people safe, but no system is perfect. Pedestrian accidents still happen, and those who are injured need to know how to seek financial compensation.
