LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – Boulder Highway is one of the most dangerous roads in the valley.
That road has seen many pedestrian deaths and injuries over the years, including one in Henderson last Thursday.
But now, one part of Boulder Highway between Nellis and Flamingo has a chain link fence to curb jaywalking.
One way to force people to use the crosswalk, is the 1,500-foot fence along that busy stretch with multiple businesses on either side.
Because as police put it, you’re risking your life if you cross outside of a marked crosswalk.
Take it from Captain Jeff Clark of Metro’s Southeast Area Command.
“If you run across Boulder Highway you’re not going to get hurt. You’re going to end up losing your life,” Captain Clark said.
“Unfortunately in years past we have led of all the area commands in traffic deaths.” Captain Clark came up with the idea for the new barrier, after Sheriff Kevin McMahill said his goal for 2025 is to keep traffic fatalities under 120.
Captain Clark thinks this simple and cost-effective measure could be the solution, especially since he tells FOX5 in the last five years along that same stretch, the department has averaged about 5 pedestrian-related crashes a year.
That’s all changed. “Knock on wood, we’re at zero right now in this 1,500 feet linear area, which tells me it’s effective and that shows right there we need to expand this further down the road,” Captain Clark said.
Those plans are in the works. The county sent FOX5 this statement, writing, “Public Works is working on plans to install additional fencing from East Flamingo Road to East Sahara Avenue. That project is currently slated for early next year.”
That’s important to Captain Clark, since he tells FOX5 how traffic-related crashes tend to stay with both him and his colleagues long after the shift ends.
“When I see or hear about reckless driving, I hate it, you know? I will tell you I‘ve been on countless deaths and deadly scenes, whether it’s shootings, stabbings, nothing can prepare anybody for the damage and the carnage that is caused in vehicle accidents,” Captain Clark explained.
Additional fencing isn’t the only thing Captain Clark says his department has asked the county for.
They want better marked crosswalks, to repaint existing crosswalks, and better lighting at an angle, shining more in the road instead of straight down.
Although Sheriff McMahill’s goal is to have fewer than 120 deaths, that number currently sits at 56 for Metro’s jurisdiction after Monday night’s e-bike fatal crash.
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