In light of the recent accidents involving pedestrians who have been struck and killed, and the fact that pedestrian-related crashes in Douglas, Lyon and Washoe counties were higher in 2011 compared to the previous year, troopers from the Nevada Highway Patrol will be concentrating their enforcement efforts on pedestrian and crosswalk violations over the next several weeks.

Troopers will be at various intersections in Northern Nevada specifically looking for drivers who do not yield for pedestrians at crosswalks as well as identifying pedestrians who choose to cross a street unsafely or by jaywalking.

In an effort to illustrate awareness, the NHP is issuing these safety reminders to motorists and pedestrians:

For pedestrians:

• Be certain to only cross a street or highway in a marked crosswalk

• Make sure that each driver approaching the intersection is yielding or has stopped for you before entering the street or crossing the entire roadway — especially on multiple-lane roadways

• Even when you have the signal to cross safely, scan both directions of travel and look for moving or approaching vehicles

• Don’t assume that every driver will see you in a crosswalk and be aware of all approaching traffic

• Be extra careful when crossing the road at nighttime and especially when there is little or no lighting.

For motorists:

• Pay attention at all times when operating a motor vehicle with special emphasis near intersections and marked crosswalks for pedestrians who may be crossing the roadway

• If you notice a vehicle in the adjacent or opposing lane slow down or stop, ask yourself why? There may be a pedestrian crossing the street that you don’t see or another type of roadway hazard not immediately visible

• When making a left or right turn at an intersection, always check to be certain that no one is attempting to cross the road adjacent to you

• Do not change lanes near an intersection where a motorist immediately in front of you is slowing down or stopped.

This list of 2011 crashes is provided by the NHP.