The latest crackdown on motorists who ignore pedestrians in crosswalks was welcome.
For a several hours last week, the Nevada Highway Patrol had the full attention of several dozen drivers who got tickets and fines for failing to yield to pedestrians.
Those motorists won't likely forget their lesson.
It's the third time in recent months that the highway patrol and state pedestrian-safety officials have teamed up to enforce the law in Carson City. Similar stings - in which a state worker parades back and forth in a crosswalk while troopers lay in wait - have been conducted in Reno and Las Vegas.
As important as we believe such operations are, there is a much cheaper and simpler way to remind motorists every day of their responsibility to pedestrians.
Why are there no "Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks" signs on Highways 395 or 50 at the entrances to Carson City?
Three signs - north, south and east - would go a long way to get across the message that Carson City is a pedestrian-friendly place.
The stings may be effective for local drivers, who see them in action or read about them in the Nevada Appeal. But the effect on much of the traffic passing through Carson City, including tourists and commuters, is only temporary.
It is with sad irony that we note a woman was hit on Carson Street just hours after last Wednesday's sting. In that case, however, it appeared the driver was not at fault. Pedestrians have responsibilities, too, we must point out.
Along Carson's major thoroughfares, in addition to the business signs and billboards, there are several informative signs erected by the highway department - "Shotgun range," "Marriage licenses, six blocks," "Governor's mansion," "Chamber of Commerce."
Interestingly, there's even one "Golf Course" sign pointing to privately-owned links.
There are also four "Adopt A Highway" signs in Carson City, but there is only one sign warning of a crosswalk along the busy highways. It's in front of the Ormsby House.
Erect three "Yield to pedestrians" signs now at the entrances to Carson City. Not only will pedestrians be thankful, so will the motorists who slow down and stop without being pulled over by a motorcycle cop.
