Vegas Police Use Unusual 'Turkey' Tactic to Target Dangerous Driving
In a highly unusual approach to road safety, police in Las Vegas have deployed an officer in a full turkey costume to catch motorists who fail to stop for pedestrians. The inventive demonstration was conducted near Cashman Middle School during the busy holiday season to see which drivers would yield to a pedestrian, even one dressed as a festive bird.
The results were stark. While the 'turkey' crossed the road, other officers standing nearby were busy issuing 109 citations to drivers who blew through the crosswalk without stopping. The operation also led to 145 traffic stops and one vehicle being towed, highlighting a significant problem with driver behaviour in the area.
Sobering Statistics Reveal Pedestrian Safety Crisis
The 'Turkey in the Crosswalk' event was designed to draw attention to a much larger and more serious issue. Local officials released alarming statistics on pedestrian safety, revealing that 71 pedestrians have died in Clark County so far this year.
The figures are even more concerning for children. Since the start of the school year, more than 190 students have been struck by vehicles while travelling to and from school. Tragically, seven children have lost their lives while walking on local roads in 2025.
A Unified Call for Road Safety and Awareness
Organisers used the demonstration to send a clear message to motorists. They urged drivers to slow down in school zones and residential neighbourhoods and to always stop for pedestrians in marked crosswalks. Drivers were also reminded to avoid distractions, particularly near schools and bus stops where children are most vulnerable.
The event also served as a reminder for families, encouraging them to teach children essential safety habits. These include looking both ways before crossing and making eye contact with drivers to ensure they have been seen.
The operation was a collaborative effort, with officers from the Clark County School District Police, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, Henderson Police Department, North Las Vegas Police Department, and UNLV Police Department all joining forces. In a separate holiday warning, police also advised festive drinkers to use rideshare services like Uber or Lyft or to designate a sober driver.
