Metro Police Back On The Scene

Last year, Metro caused quite the controversy when it was announced that the police were no longer going to respond to non-injury car accidents. This caused confusion and worry for drivers unsure of the procedures they should follow if they did get into a minor motor vehicle accident. This new policy also did not account for the fact that injuries are not immediately felt. Sometimes a person who has been involved in an accident will not feel their injuries until a day or two after the accident. It has been decided by our city officials that Metro needed more funding and should be responding to all traffic accidents.

The Clark County Commission voted to enact the “More Cops” sales tax increase to pay for more police officers to patrol the streets and help deter crime. The increase takes effect January 1, 2016, adding an additional .05% to Clark County’s sales tax. This increases Metro’s annual budget by $14.6 million. Henderson, Boulder City, North Las Vegas and Mesquite are also expected to hire additional police officers. The additional officers will be available in the middle to end of 2016 after they have undergone the training and education programs. Sheriff Joseph Lombardo expects the additional officers to make arrests and be able to start responding to minor traffic accidents again. 

Clark County residents can rest more easily knowing additional police will soon be patrolling our streets. When you are involved in an car collision, Metro police will once again have the manpower to document and report the car accidents. This report can help with your rights in a lawsuit. In the meantime, keep staying safe out there!  If you are involved in an accident, contact Alessi Law for your free consultation. We can help take the worry and confusion out of every accident. 

Information from Las Vegas Review Journal and Las Vegas Sun

Pedestrians vs. Autos - Look Out For Each Other

Your mom always told you, “Look both ways before crossing the street.”  When you started driving, your mom then shifted the focus, “Wear your seatbelt,” “Don’t Speed,” “No texting!” “Be aware of other drivers,” “No talking on the phone,” “Slow down at crosswalks,” and “Watch out for kids running into the street.”  Unfortunately, we don’t always listen to our parents and that leads to trouble.

Las Vegas is a great city. Unfortunately, it can be a dangerous place for pedestrians. In 2014, Las Vegas ranked 15^th in major U.S. cities for pedestrian deaths. Not all of those can be attributed to drunk visitors on the Strip. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 2.51 pedestrians were killed per 100,000 residents. Unfortunately, that number continues to rise this year. In the first half of 2015, a report showed pedestrian deaths are up 60% over the same period as last year.

We can make a change. Join in our Las Vegas community to make pedestrian deaths and pedestrian related accidents a mirage. Get involved in your neighborhood campaigns for pedestrian safety near all schools and the implementation of more crosswalks throughout the Las Vegas valley.   

The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department has made efforts to make our streets safe for pedestrians. Metro has set up decoy sting operations near dangerous crosswalks in the city.  If you are driving and do not stop for the people crossing the street, be prepared to pay the price because you will be issued a ticket. If you are driving and see a pedestrian, you must stop until the person is no longer in your half of the crosswalk. Follow the rules of the road and stop for pedestrians. If you are walking into the crosswalk, make sure you listen to your parent’s words and, “Look both ways before crossing the street.” Do not step into the street until you have made sure it is safe to do so.

By observing the traffic rules, paying attention, and looking out for others, we can make Las Vegas a safer place for everyone. Remember: SAFETY STARTS WITH YOU!

If you do find yourself hurt in an accident, please contact Alessi Law. We will focus on your rights, while you focus on getting healthy.

Facts and figures obtained from the Las Vegas Review Journal.