Got a safety question

[Lorie]

I'm staying at a center strip hotel and not renting a car. My Sister-In-Law and I plan on walking to Ellis Island. We're used to walking. Last year we walked from the Bellagio (after walking all day) to the Strat. It was early evening but still light out. Not sure I would do that after dark. There were some areas that didn't look too great.

Is it safe to walk back from Ellis Island to the strip after dark?

[Lori R]

My friend, Sharon, and I did it last May. We pulled in around 11pm and went to Ellis Island from the Flamingo. There were a few questionable charachters on the street but we didn't feel threatened. Walk purposefully and make eye contact. If you don't think you want to do it, take a cab from Bally's. It'll be $5 max.

[dlf1616]

I would not walk it. Take a cab.

[WACO]

Why Chance It. Cab It

[Stephen]

I'm staying at a center strip hotel. My Sister-In-Law and I plan on walking to Ellis Island. We're used to walking. Last year we walked from the Bellagio to the Strat. It was early evening but still light out. Not sure I would do that after dark. There were some areas that didn't look too great.

Is it safe to walk back from Ellis Island to the strip after dark?
Generally, no. Odds pretty good you will not have problems, but area right around Ellis Island, like the convenience store next door, can attract some undesirables hanging out in the parking lot.

[Lorie]

We'll cab it. Glad we have this board. :)

[YJAJJ]

CAN'T ANSWER YOUR QUESTION BUT OFFER THE FOLLOWING COLUMN INFORMATION I READ SOME TIME AGO!
Staying Safe in Las Vegas by Rick Garman

Lucky 7 Ways to Stay Safe in Vegas

1. Educate Yourself.
There’s a particular brand of people who prey on tourists so one of your most
important jobs is educate yourself about where you’re traveling to so you don’
t go into those tourist traps. Know where you’re going, check operating
hours, study maps for alternate routes, and get as much information as you can so you can look like you know what you’re doing (even if you really don’t). Of course Vegas4Visitors is your best resource for Vegas information but we’re not the only one – visit websites, read travel guides, and do your homework! Not only will you have a more fulfilling vacation you’ll have a confidence that may keep you out of trouble.

2. Stick to Well-Traveled Areas.
I actively encourage Vegas visitors to get off The Strip to explore other
parts of the city but Las Vegas, like any major city, has some bad neighborhoods so it’s important to stick to the well-traveled thoroughfares and highly trafficked areas whenever possible, especially late at night. A general rule of thumb is to go where the taxis go. Cab drivers tend to stick to the areas where people like yourself will want to travel.

3. Staying Safe in Your Room.
The first thing you should do after you dump your suitcase is check where the nearest emergency exits are located. Every room has a map with an evacuation route – take two minutes to walk it so you can be familiar with the path just in case something catastrophic happens. Most hotels also provide some sort of printed safety information (phone numbers, fire alarms, etc.) so read it! Finally, pack a small flashlight in your suitcase just in case the power goes out so you don’t have to stumble around in the dark.

4. Controlling the Crowds.
It’s hard to go anywhere in Vegas without being in a big crowd, a potentially
dangerous situation if something bad were to happen. Be aware of your
surroundings wherever you go whether it’s an outdoor attraction, a packed casino, a big showroom, or even a crowded buffet. Take a moment to identify the nearest exits or quickest routes to safety so you can get out if you need to.

5. Watch Your Wallet.
No, I’m not talking about blowing your money in the casino – that’s a
totally different problem. I’m referring to the fact that pick-pockets love Las
Vegas, especially in areas where people are distracted by things like volcanoes, dancing fountains, and bright neon lights. Carry your cash and cards in your front pocket if possible or get a wallet with a security chain or other theft deterrents. If you absolutely must carry a purse (which I discourage whenever possible) be sure to wear it in a protective fashion (strung across your body as opposed to slung loosely over your arm) and try not to let the flashing lights make you forget that there may be someone around who wants to take it from you.

6. Pedestrian Safety.
It may be that Vegas is great at putting up things to distract you (see
volcanoes, fountains, and neon above) but there seems to be a problem in this town with people not looking both ways before they cross the street. The local papers seem to have a story every week about someone wandering into a busy roadway without looking, often with tragic results. I know pedestrians in other cities don’t always pay attention to things like “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” signs but you should here just in case the guy in the big SUV barreling toward you is distracted by the volcanoes, fountains, and neon lights also.

7. Don’t Be Dumb.
Yes, Vegas is a city built on the concept of having fun but you should try to
do so as responsibly as humanly possible. There’s something unique about this town that makes people want to drop all of their inhibitions, often fueled by excesses of alcohol or other mind-altering substances. I’m not passing any
kind of judgment here – God knows I’ve had a couple of cocktails in my life –
but there are ways to do it without being stupid, putting yourself in Dangerous situations. Don’t let your wild Vegas dream vacation turn into a nightmare by making the wrong decisions.
Vegas4Visitors Column for May 9, 2005

[dlf1616]

Very good article......Lot of great info. Been going to Vegas about twice a year since 1992, and you can never be to careful. I like reading all the forums, because you can always learn something no matter how often you visit Vegas. The suggestion to pack a small flashlight is an excellent idea.

[sonntex]

;) Great article. Had read some of it before. I ALWAYS carry a flashlight. Dee from Texas

[Lorie]

Will start carrying a tiny flashlight. Good idea. When we went to Vegas the first time, we were amazed at how many people cross the street before the 'don't walk' sign changed to 'walk'. Also masses of people were crossing and cars were trying to turn in. We finally joined the crowd and went when they went. Good idea or bad?

[sonntex]

Know what you are talking about. I've joined the crowd a time or two myself, but you have to be careful. Be part of the crowd, not the tail-end. Crossing alleys is my paranoia. And streets with no lights. There are several streets like that on the way from the Flamingo to Casino Royale. You can't see what's coming. Hubby is always grabbing my arm when we walk down thru there to keep me from getting hit a by someone coming out of a parking garage or an alley. :eek:

[Lorie]

Thanks everybody for the safety tips!

[CeeJayRocker]

The area between the Circus Circus and the Stratosphere can look a little rough, but it's generally pretty well populated, especially on weekend nights. I've walked it many a time alone, but I'm 5'9" 200 with a tattoo, a goatee and a shaved head. The distance between the Bellagio and the Strat is what is daunting to me. If you want adventure, take the 301 bus. That experience is worth the price of admission, especially at 12 or 1 a.m. . . .

[claire254]

Honestly, I definitly would NOT walk, there are just too many nuts out there.

[sonntex]

Today's Dallas Morning News had an article about a tragedy that happened in LV in front of Bally's Wednesday, Sept. 21. There was a crowd of people walking along and suddenly a car accelerated into the crowd injuring 12 and killing 2. The fellow driving had stolen the car and is being charged with murder. You have to be careful in any city, but in Vegas, you never know when some drunk who just lost a wad takes it out on the people around him/her. Don't want to sound like a doomsdayer, but be aware and be prepared for any emergency. The police and security can't be everywhere.

Also, if you must cross the street, cross at signal lights. People are always being injured because they jaywalk. Seems sirens are always going off in Vegas.

[smmoo]

Jaywalking in Vegas might be the last gamble you ever take. DON'T DO IT!!! :(