(702) 857-6000Are Deadly Las Vegas Crashes on the Rise?
A string of deadly accidents last month has Las Vegas residents wondering if Las Vegas crashes are on the rise. This is troubling news considering that last year was the deadliest year in the last 13 years on Nevada roadways. We can’t answer whether Las Vegas crashes are on the rise just yet.
The most recent data on lives lost on Nevada roadways is from August 31 of this year. However, we can provide insight as to the causes of the crashes. The most significant factors when it comes to deaths on Nevada roadways are speeding and impairment. Here, we will discuss those factors and provide tips to make the roads safer. Las Vegas crashes are on the rise these days.
If you are injured in a Las Vegas area crash, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer. A personal injury lawyer will help to protect your rights and ensure you receive maximum compensation.
Time is of the essence when pursuing compensation in car accident cases. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
Top Causes of Roadway Fatalities in Nevada
As of August 31 of this year, there have been 242 fatalities on Nevada roadways. That’s down three percent from last year. However, if Las Vegas crashes are on the rise, this percentage will shrink by the end of the year.
The top causes of these fatalities continue to be impairment and speeding. Below we will discuss these causes and provide prevention tips to keep you and your loved ones safe.
Impairment
In Nevada, impaired driving is the leading cause of motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities. When it comes to impaired driving, most people think of alcohol. However, drugs and medication can also impair a person’s ability to safely operate a vehicle. Even legal drugs like marijuana can cause impairment. All substances are different and can impair drivers in different ways.
Drive Sober
Impaired driving is one of the deadliest forms of driving. It is also preventable. Always drive sober. You have a responsibility to yourself and others on the road to drive sober. Use the following tips to make sure that you get home safely:
- Plan ahead. Make arrangements for a ride before you consume alcohol.
- Communicate. Talking about the dangers of impaired driving can help keep you and your friends safe. Discuss what to do if you suspect a friend is impaired and planning to drive.
- Talk to your doctor. If you take medication, it is your responsibility to understand how it may impact your driving. Talk to your doctor about any new prescriptions.
- Look out for each other. If you think another driver is impaired, call the police. Learn to recognize the signs of an impaired driver.
If an impaired driver injures you in a Las Vegas area accident, get medical help immediately. Once you have sought medical care, contact an experienced personal injury lawyer.
Speeding
Speeding accounts for nearly one-third of all traffic fatalities in Nevada. Anyone who drives in Las Vegas has witnessed drivers going far too fast. You may even be one of the drivers who is speeding past other cars on the road. Unfortunately, this can be one of the most dangerous decisions you will make.
Driving at high speeds increases the risk of crashes and influences the severity of crash injuries. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, speeding influences the risk of crashes and crash injuries in the following ways:
- It increases the distance a vehicle travels from the time a driver detects an emergency to the time the driver reacts.
- It increases the distance needed to stop a vehicle once the driver starts to brake.
- It increases the risk that an evasive steering maneuver will result in loss of control.
- It increases the crash energy exponentially.
Slow Down
Are you one of the many Nevada drivers that whizzes by the other cars on the road? If you are, then it is time to put a stop to your speeding habit. Avoid speeding by doing the following:
- Follow the law. Obey Nevada speed laws and drive at a reasonable and safe speed.
- Give yourself time. It can be tempting to speed when you are running late. No meeting or appointment is worth your life.
- Use your cruise control. Not all speeding is intentional. If you find yourself accidentally going over the speed limit, set your cruise control (when it is safe to use).
If a speeding driver injures you in a Las Vegas area accident, contact Anthem Injury Lawyers. Our law office is in Henderson, Nevada, and we work with clients in Las Vegas and the vicinity. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment.
Other Causes of Roadway Fatalities in Nevada
Impairment and speeding are not the only factors that contribute to roadway fatalities in Nevada. Below are other causes of roadway fatalities in Nevada and tips to prevent deadly accidents.
Pedestrian Accidents
Both pedestrians and drivers need to look out for each other. Be especially alert at night, 76 percent of pedestrian accidents occur after dark.
Motorcycle Accidents
Motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die in a crash. Drivers should look twice for motorcycles and riders should always wear a helmet.
Not Wearing a Seat Belt
In Nevada, 22 percent of fatalities are unbelted. Always wear a seat belt. Wearing a seat belt reduces the risk of getting seriously injured or dying in a crash by 50 percent.
Red Light Running
Intersections are dangerous and deadly when drivers don’t stop on red. Always come to a full stop on red.
Distracted Driving
Anything that takes your attention away from the task of safe driving is dangerous. A majority of distracted driver fatal crashes involve only one vehicle. Put down your phone and pay attention to the road.
Not Being Fit To Drive
Nearly a quarter of all traffic fatalities involve drivers 65 and older. Learn to recognize the signs that driver fitness may be an issue.
Experienced Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyers
If you are injured in a Las Vegas area crash, you should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Some people wonder why they need a personal injury lawyer to help them. A personal injury lawyer will work aggressively to protect your rights and help you receive maximum compensation for your injuries.
Your choice of an accident lawyer is one of the most consequential decisions you will ever make. It’s important to select a Las Vegas attorney who can put you in the best position to win your case. That’s why you need to speak with Anthem Injury Lawyers. Get the best accident attorneys in Las Vegas fighting for you. Our experts offer you the best opportunity to win top compensation. Contact Anthem Injury Lawyers today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
