What Does Poor Driving in Vegas Mean for Me?
People from all over the world love to retreat to Las Vegas and let loose with friends and family, and it’s not hard to understand why. There’s the world-famous nightlife, exciting gambling scene, and top-level fine dining and entertainment. It’s all fun and games, until you spend some time driving the city streets and realize how unsafe Las Vegas roads have become.
Wondering how Vegas has become one of the more dangerous places to drive and what this means for you? Here, Shook & Stone provides useful information about the implications of Vegas driving habits and how to protect yourself in these dangerous circumstances.
Welcome to Fabulous Las Vegas: Home of the Worst US Drivers
When a city becomes saturated with old-time residents, new residents, and many, many tourists, the roads are bound to get crazy — especially when the city is awake 24/7. Allstate’s 2019 report of America’s Best Drivers ranked Vegas #129 out of 200 cities and it is among the top five cities to have fatalities associated with running red lights. Those who live in Vegas are statistically likely to be involved in an accident every eight years — a figure 32% higher than the national average.
What’s causing these dangerous road conditions and this surge in Las Vegas car accidents over the last decade?
The Reasons Behind Car Accidents and Road Fatalities in Vegas
In a city that loves to party, drunk driving is a serious problem. When intoxicated partygoers hit the road, they become a serious threat to everyone around them. Intoxication brings with it a lack of judgment, reduced reaction times, and difficulty focusing, which all contribute to an increased risk of collision accidents. Drunk driving is one of the top causes of car accidents in this neon-clad city.
Another leading cause of Vegas road fatalities is distracted driving. The city frequently hosts visitors who are not familiar with the area and who rely on navigation systems to guide them to their destinations. This diverts a person’s attention away from the road and slows down their reaction times to obstacles and the changing status of traffic control devices, leading to more accidents.
Vegas’ large number of out-of-town visitors combined with local traffic is the perfect recipe for traffic. The congested traffic conditions in Las Vegas are notorious for making people want to speed. When people break the speed limit, they drastically reduce their time to react to sudden obstacles, such as pedestrians, animals, and other vehicles, which puts the driver and others at risk.
How to Avoid Becoming a Part of the Problem
Today, the Nevada Highway Patrol and the Regional Transportation Commission are making a concerted effort to make Las Vegas roads safer. They are urging Vegas drivers and those from out of town to be more aware of their surroundings and to be more patient on the roads. If you focus on driving and slow down, you could save a life in the process. Play it safe, exercise your best judgment, and never sacrifice safety for the sake of time. It’s better to get there late but safely than to never make it at all.
What Do the Habits of Vegas Drivers Mean for Me?
Although most of these statistics are based only on the habits of Las Vegas locals, they can serve as a warning for all those who plan to travel to or around Vegas by car. Every person who uses highways in the area is at an increased risk of a car crash, so stay alert and try to make your drive during the less busy times of the day. If you can, ride a bike or walk around the city to avoid spending as much time on the roads.
What Should I Do if I End Up in a Car Crash in Las Vegas?
Nobody ever expects to be involved in an accident, but it’s important to know what to do in case this misfortune befalls you. Car crashes happen to unsuspecting drivers every day. Those involved experience a string of panicked thoughts, such as, “What am I going to do about my damaged car?” “How am I going to go without a paycheck while I stay home and recover from my injuries? You shouldn’t have to worry about these things on your own, especially if you have sustained injuries.
After an accident, don’t delay getting in touch with the auto accident lawyers at Shook & Stone. You need an experienced personal injury attorney on your side to hold the responsible party liable for their actions and recover any damages for you. Swift action on your part will always work in your favor, so contact our firm as soon as possible. Our capable, deeply experienced legal team will fight for your rights and advise you on the next steps to take for a positive outcome. Contact us today at 702-570-0000 to for a case consultation to find out if you might be entitled to compensation.