Las Vegas is a vibrant city with a lot to offer visitors and residents alike. With so much traffic, car accidents are an unfortunate reality. In 2022, there were a total of 19,891 car collisions in Las Vegas, according to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD). While some accidents may result in minor injuries, others can be much more severe, leading to catastrophic injuries or even death. In this blog, our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers explain Las Vegas car accident causes and offer some prevention tips.
Top Las Vegas Car Accident Causes
According to data shared by the Nevada Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), the top Las Vegas car accident causes include impaired driving, speeding, and distracted driving. It is important to note that accidents can be caused by a single factor or a combination, such as an impaired driver who is also speeding.
Impaired Driving
Impaired driving includes driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or both. Impaired drivers are more likely to make mistakes, such as speeding, tailgating, and failing to yield the right of way. According to the OTS, 43% of fatal car accidents in Nevada are caused by impaired driving.
Speeding
Speeding is the second-leading cause of fatal and injury accidents in Las Vegas. 31% of fatal traffic accidents in Nevada were caused by speeding from 2016 to 2020. Speeding can quickly result in devastating consequences. There are a number of reasons why drivers speed including impairment and engaging in reckless, thrill-seeking behavior.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has become a major problem in recent years, as more and more people rely on their smartphones and other devices while driving. Distracted driving is more than just using your phone while driving. It can also include eating, drinking, adjusting the radio or GPS, smoking, or anything else that takes your eyes off the road. Between 2016 and 2020, there were 52 fatal distracted driving crashes in Nevada. These crashes had a 100% fatality rate, with Las Vegas having the highest number of fatal distracted driving crashes.
Other Las Vegas Car Accident Causes
Along with the causes mentioned above, there are several other Las Vegas car accident causes and Nevada car accident causes to be aware of.
- Intersection accidents: intersections are a common Nevada car accident cause. In fact, crashes at intersections accounted for 32% of Nevada’s total traffic fatalities between 2015 and 2019. Las Vegas reported the highest number of fatal intersection crashes in Nevada during that time frame.
- Fatigued driving: many drivers often sacrifice sleep to accommodate busy lifestyles, making fatigued driving a cause of Nevada car accidents. This can have devastating consequences and lead to a number of crashes. Experts say driving while fatigued can be just as dangerous as driving impaired.
- Inclement weather: one of the most overlooked Nevada car accident causes is inclement weather. While Las Vegas is known for the desert climate and sunshine, heavy rain and high winds during certain parts of the year make driving more dangerous and increase the risk of wrecks.
- Young drivers: new drivers are inexperienced and are more likely to end up causing an accident than more experienced drivers. Teen drivers in particular might engage in distracted driving, aggressive driving, or speeding.
- Older drivers: along with younger drivers, older drivers can also be a cause of Las Vegas car accidents. Especially since almost 15% of Las Vegas’ population is over the age of 65. Age-related physical changes like vision, hearing, reaction time, and muscle strength can decline. These changes can make it more difficult to drive safely. Certain medical conditions and medication side effects can also make driving hazardous.
Preventing Las Vegas and Nevada Car Accidents
Knowing Las Vegas car accident causes and Nevada car accident causes can help you stay safer on the road. Additionally, knowing what to avoid and look out for on the road can help prevent car accidents and keep yourself and others safer on the road.
- If you have been drinking or using drugs, call a taxi, ride-sharing service, or ask a friend or family member for a ride home.
- If you see someone who appears to be impaired behind the wheel, report them to the police.
- Always obey the speed limit.
- Slow down in bad weather or in areas with heavy traffic.
- Put away your phone and other distractions while driving.
- Have your car ready for winter weather.
- Be aware of the dangers of hydroplaning during heavy rain.
- Monitor your teen’s driving habits and talk to them about their driving.
- Be a positive role model for your teen and show them how to drive safely.
- If you are over 65, or have a loved one over 65, it is important to get regular medical checkups and eye exams. This will help to identify and manage any medical conditions that could affect driving ability.
Contact ER Injury Attorneys
Las Vegas car accident causes vary, but there are several that are more likely to occur than others. No matter what caused your accident, if you or a loved one is injured due to the negligence or recklessness of another, the Las Vegas car accident lawyers at ER Injury Attorneys are prepared to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free case consultation.
We’ve helped clients in Las Vegas, Henderson, Summerlin, Boulder City, and Pahrump who’ve been injured in school zone accidents. Contact us 24/7 by calling 702-878-7878, via LiveChat, or by filling out our contact form for your free case consultation.