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Pedestrian Injuries and Fatalities in Nevada

• A pedestrian is a person on foot, a person using a manual or motorized wheelchair, or a person operating an electric personal assistive mobility device such as bicycle, electric scooter [1]. 
• Nevada (NV) consistently ranks among the 10 worst U.S. states for pedestrian fatalities [2].
  • 🚶‍♂️ 2018-2022: 385 pedestrian fatalities and 380 fatal pedestrian crashes occurred on NV roadways [3].
  • 🚑 After being struck by a vehicle, about 625 pedestrians are hospitalized and more than 1,500 are treated in emergency departments annually [4].

Every Sign on the Road is a Conversation – Safety Starts with You!

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Pedestrian Traffic Control Signals

Safety measures like crosswalks, traffic signs, signals, and road changes are implemented to reduce pedestrian and bicyclist injuries and deaths, making roads safer for all [5]. This educational issue highlights the following pedestrian/bicyclist traffic control signals:

• As shown in Figure 2, the components of PHBs consist of the following:
  • Crosswalk Visibility Enhancements
  • Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHBs)
  • Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs)
  • Medians and pedestrian refuge islands

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Crosswalk Visibility Enhancements 

• Crosswalk visibility enhancement features are used to increase visibility and reduce pedestrians and bicyclist crashes in crosswalks [6].
• These enhancements can include high-visibility crosswalks, parking restrictions near crosswalks, improved nighttime lighting, signage, and pavement markings (as shown in Figure 1).

Figure 1 – Crosswalk Visibility Enhancements [6]
Source: U. S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration

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Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHB) or High intensity Activated crossWalk (HAWK)

• PHBs are commonly placed on roads with speed limits above 35 miles per hour and multi-lane roads. These beacons are installed at marked crosswalks to give pedestrians the right-of-way. When activated, the beacon sequence begins with a flashing yellow light to alert drivers to slow down, followed by a solid yellow light indicating they should prepare to stop, and finally two solid red lights, requiring drivers to stop completely for pedestrians in the crosswalk [7].

• As shown in Figure 2, the components of PHBs consist of the following:
  • Overhead Signal
  • Overhead Beacons 
  • Display Arm 
  • Pedestrian Walk Signal 
  • Marked Crosswalk

Figure 2 – Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon Components [8]
Adapted from: Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) State Highway Administration, 2020

Click here to learn about how pedestrian hybrid beacons work!

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Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs)

• RRFBs are traffic control devices placed at both ends of a crosswalk, next to pedestrian warning signs (Figure 3). They can be activated either automatically or pedestrian-triggered via a push button.
• When activated, it flashes rapidly to improve pedestrian visibility and alert drivers at marked crosswalks [9].
• In Nevada, these traffic control devices are being installed in several locations, including Boulder Highway in Las Vegas; Lake Shore Drive in Douglas County; Silver State Street in Carson City, and Pike Street in Lyon County [10].

Figure 3 – Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) [11]
Source: City of Lincoln, 2025

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Medians and Pedestrian Refuge Islands

• A median serves as a physical or visual divider between lanes of traffic moving in opposite directions (Figure 4). It can take the form of painted lines, raised medians, or landscaped islands. Refugee islands offer a secure place to pause and wait while crossing multi-lane roads [12].

Figure 4 –  Pedestrian Crossing at Refuge Island [13]
Source: New York Department of Transportation

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Key Takeaways 

• Always Use Designated Crosswalks and Signals – Cross at marked crosswalks and obey pedestrian signals when available. These features are designed to make you more visible to drivers and help ensure a safer crossing
• Stay Alert, Avoid Distraction – Avoid using phones or headphones while crossing. Being fully attentive helps you recognize signals and stay safe around traffic.
• Get Familiar with New Pedestrian Signals – Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons (PHBs) and Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) are being installed on roads across Nevada. They help drivers see pedestrians better and make crossings safer for everyone.
• Slow Down and Yield! – Nevada law requires drivers to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks. Slow down and stop, especially where pedestrian signals or flashing lights are active.

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Data received from the Office of Traffic Safety.

References

1. Nevada Revised Statutes, Nev. Rev. Stat. 484A.165. 2024. Accessed from: https://www.leg.state.nv.us/nrs/nrs-484a.html#NRS484ASec165
2. Federal Highway Administration. FHWA Highway Safety Programs. Accessed from: https://highways.dot.gov/safety/pedestrian-bicyclist/safety-countermeasures/las-vegas-pedestrian-safety-project-phase-2-3
3. Zero Fatalities. 2024. Nevada Traffic Safety Crash Facts. https://zerofatalitiesnv.com/vulnerable-road-users/pedestrians/
4. Nevada Department of Transportation (2024). Feasibility of Implementing Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB) Signals for Improving Safety and Mobility in Nevada. Accessed from: https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/79712/dot_79712_DS1.pdf
5. Federal Highway Administration. Proven Safety Countermeasures. Accessed from: https://highways.dot.gov/safety/proven-safety-countermeasures
6. U. S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. Crosswalk Visibility Enhancements. Accessed from: https://highways.dot.gov/sites/fhwa.dot.gov/files/2022-06/techSheet_VizEnhancemt2018.pdf
7. Federal Highway Administration. Pedestrian Hybrid Beacons. Accessed from: https://highways.dot.gov/safety/proven-safety-countermeasures/pedestrian-hybrid-beacons
8. Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) State Highway Administration. Pedestrian hybrid beacon. 2020.Pedestrian Hybrid Beacon (PHB). Accessed from: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/769bd85416ff4e46bf3cb78a67ed4640/page/Pedestrian-Hybrid-Beacon
9. Federal Highway Administration. (n.d.). Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFB). Accessed from: https://highways.dot.gov/safety/proven-safety-countermeasures/rectangular-rapid-flashing-beacons-rrfb
10. Nevada Department of Transportation. Pedestrian Safety Projects. Accessed from: https://www.dot.nv.gov/safety/pedestrian-safety-projects
11. City of Lincoln. Rectangular rapid flashing beacon. Accessed from: https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/City/Departments/LTU/Transportation/Traffic-Engineering/RRFB 
12. Federal Highway Administration. Medians and Pedestrian Refuge Islands in Urban and Suburban Areas. Accessed from: https://highways.dot.gov/safety/proven-safety-countermeasures/medians-and-pedestrian-refuge-islands-urban-and-suburban-areas
13. Zero Fatalities Nevada. Nevada strategic highway safety plan – Pedestrian Refuge Islands. https://zerofatalitiesnv.com/app/uploads/2020/11/2014-10-21-Ped-Refuge-Islands-White-Paper.pdf

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