Nevada Could Spend Extra $10M to Protect Pedestrians

State transportation officials are considering spending an additional $10 million to help protect pedestrians in response to a recent spike in accidents that killed people crossing streets in Reno and Las Vegas.

The Nevada Department of Public Safety says pedestrians have accounted for nine of the 26 traffic fatalities reported in the state since Jan. 1. At least two of those killed were in marked crosswalks when they were hit.

Nevada Department of Transportation spokeswoman Meg Ragonese told KRNV-TV the pedestrian deaths are “absolutely tragic” and NDOT is dedicated to doing something about it.

Department officials plan to meet Monday to consider dedicating the extra $10 million to pedestrian safety enhancements statewide.