Las Vegas, NV

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

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Las Vegas experts share insider advice on protecting yourself as a pedestrian and cyclist, and through insurance

Las Vegas, Nev. (February 15, 2012) – Are you safe? Everything we do these days seems to come with some level of risk, whether you're walking down the street, riding your bike or driving a car. The latest "Homeowner Talk TV" show explores important issues of safety and new laws that impact residents of Southern Nevada.

"Homeowner Talk TV" is Nevada's only television program devoted exclusively to topics that impact homeowners and homeowners associations. It is hosted by David Stone, who is president of Nevada Association Services, Inc. (NAS, Inc.), and John Leach, partner in the law firm Leach, Johnson, Song & Gruchow. The show airs Thursdays at 7 p.m. on the City of Las Vegas' KCLV Channel 2.  Episodes may also be viewed online at homeownertalktv.com.

Guests on the most recent episode include Chrissie Coon, who is a public information officer with the North Las Vegas Police Department, Ron Floth, who is the bicycle and outreach coordinator with the Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada (RTC), and Mindy Martinez, who is a commercial insurance agent with Western Risk Insurance.

During the episode, Chrissie Coon, PIO with the NLVPD, discussed the safety work of officers within the community. She said that the North Las Vegas Police Department offers a crosswalk safety program, teaching about the importance of crossing the street in the proper location. Officers also teach classes in area elementary schools, talking to kids about crosswalk safety. At that time, they bring traffic signals into the classroom and discuss what those signals mean. They also speak to kids and parents about the importance of being a safe driver. "If you promote safety within your own vehicle, your kids will grow up to become safer drivers and the people around you will be safer drivers," said Coon.  

Ron Floth, speaking for the RTC, said that more and more Valley residents are relying on their bicycles for transportation, and the landscape and laws are changing to accommodate them. The City of Las Vegas recently purchased five electric bicycles, which are available to staff. In addition, the RTC Bike Center opened on Bonneville and offers bike storage and bike valet services, showers and bicycle safety and maintenance classes. Across the region, there are now 65 miles of bike routes, 280 miles of bike lanes and 60 miles of shared-use paths. In coming years, there will be 115 additional bike routes and 65 miles of additional bike lanes.

That's not all that's changing. In October, a three-foot law was passed, which requires drivers to maintain three feet of space when passing a cyclist. "It's there to offer a better buffer of protection for cyclists," said Floth. "Motorists need to give three feet of leeway when passing a cyclist."

Floth added that cyclists should also be vigilant when riding on the streets. They should wear helmets and bright colors and signal to cars when they are preparing to turn and stop. Cyclists should also always follow traffic laws.

Mindy Martinez with Western Risk Insurance discussed the new laws prohibiting cell phone use while driving. She said that police won't be the only ones looking for violations. Insurance companies will also take those tickets into account, and, after the first offense, violations will increase a motorist's insurance rates. "They're taking it very seriously," she said.

Martinez also discussed homeowners' insurance deductibles, and shared tips with homeowners associations about how to keep their rates low.

To learn more about Homeowner Talk TV go to homeownertalktv.com.

About Nevada Association Services, Inc.:

Nevada Association Services Inc. (www.nas-inc.com) is a licensed collections agency and assessment collections firm. The company may be reached at (702) 804-8885 or (775) 322-8005.

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