Spring Break & Distracted Driving Crashes

Spring break is in full effect at high schools and colleges around Las Vegas and other areas of the country. This means more students will be letting off some steam with parties, vacations, and get-togethers. For residents in popular tourist destinations – including those who call Las Vegas home – the influx of spring breakers could make public roads and highways just a little more dangerous, according to a new study.

One of the researchers behind the study – a Health Economist at the University of Miami – noticed an increase in distracted drivers on the road during Spring Break. He teamed up with other researchers to determine whether cities that attract Spring Breakers see more auto accidents.

Here’s what researchers noted:

• The study analyzed traffic crash statistics from 14 Spring Break hotspots and correlated the data with national traffic fatality data.
• Researchers found that across all 14 popular Spring Break destinations, there was a roughly 9% increase in traffic deaths. March experienced the highest concentration of fatal accidents.
• Researchers also noted an uptick in traffic accidents, citations, and deaths involving younger and out-of-state drivers, which suggest Spring Breakers.
• Contrary to expectations, alcohol was not found to be a significant factor in traffic accidents during Spring Break. Researchers suggest distracted driving as the primary culprit – i.e. more Spring Breakers traveling in the same car and driving while using a cellphone – and fatigue as another potential cause.

At Shook & Stone, our accident lawyers have worked with many tourists and locals who were injured in auto accidents during times known for celebration, including Spring Break. We remind everyone who plans on enjoying themselves in the area this week to drive safely and obey the rules of the road.

For more information about filing a personal injury claim after being in an accident you did not cause, contact our legal team today for a free case evaluation.