You can’t avoid every car accident, but you can take steps to minimize your risks. So, how prevalent are car accidents resulting in injuries? Well, it turns out that an estimated 50,312 people were injured in Las Vegas car accidents over two years, and this doesn’t even include the number of car accidents that didn’t result in injuries.
So, how can you stay safe while driving in Las Vegas or heading out to Reno? Thankfully, you can take some steps to stay a little safer on Nevada roads.
What are the Common Causes of Car Accidents
If you live or are visiting Las Vegas, it’s easy to get distracted. You don’t need to drive on the strip to find something to stare at. Gawking at anything other than the road is one of the leading causes of car wrecks. A large percentage of rear-end collisions are caused by drivers not paying attention.
Another common cause of vehicle accidents is driving under the influence (DUI) of drugs and/or alcohol, which is a particular problem in Las Vegas where you can often drink for free as long as you’re at one of the city’s numerous casinos.
Yes, even if you’re only playing the nickel slots, alcoholic drinks are still on the house. Since casinos are purposefully designed to help visitors forget the time, you can easily spend hours drinking and gaming before it’s time to head home.
To reduce the number of DUI accidents, Nevada has enacted stiff penalties. Even your first DUI can result in the temporary loss of your driving privileges and even possible jail time.
While not wearing a seat belt isn’t a contributing cause of vehicle accidents, it does increase your chances of sustaining severe injuries. Wearing your seat belt isn’t only a state regulation, it’s also federal law. All drivers and passengers must wear their seat belts, there aren’t any exceptions.
Tips on Avoiding Car Accidents in Nevada
Now that you have a general idea of some of the common causes of car accidents, it’s time to learn how to avoid becoming a statistic. So, what can you do to minimize your chances of being in a vehicle collision?
Get Rid of Any Distractions
Distracted driving is a leading cause of accidents, and not only in Nevada. Unfortunately, this type of dangerous driving behavior happens all across the United States. Cell phones are considered one of the primary distractions, followed by passengers and the controls on the vehicle dashboard.
Put your cell phone away before getting behind the wheel. If your phone connects to your vehicle’s infotainment systems, make sure everything is ready to go before you put the car in drive. Find your favorite radio station and set the GPS, this way, you don’t need to worry about your electronic devices taking your attention off of the road.
If you’re driving with a pet, make sure they’re secured, which can include using a kennel or a harness that fastens into the vehicle’s safety belt system. The last thing you want is for your furry companion to jump into your lap as you’re driving down the highway.
Don’t forget about your passengers, they can also be a distraction. Remind your passengers to keep things calm, at least while you’re driving.
Always Wear Your Seatbelt
Remember how wearing a seatbelt is the law and not a suggestion? Yes, seat belts can be uncomfortable and even chafe your skin. However, seatbelts really do save lives. This isn’t just a saying advertisers created.
Even if you’re only driving around the block or checking out the sights on the strip, always buckle up—this also goes for any passengers, including those in the back seat.
Don’t Hog the Fast Lane
Most Nevada highways have what’s known as the fast or passing lane, which is the lane you use to get safely around slower-moving vehicles. While it’s tempting to take up residency in the fast lane, this is rarely a good idea.
The fast or passing lane is intended for drivers to use temporarily. You pass the slower vehicle and then merge over into the other lane. Why don’t you want to stay in the passing lane? Your vehicle is traveling at a faster rate of speed and this makes it harder to react in time. For example, if a vehicle in the passing lane comes to a sudden screeching stop, you may not have time to slow down or get out of the way.
Since you’re traveling at a high rate of speed, damage and injuries tend to be more severe. You may also be the at-fault driver in this accident scenario since you hit the lead vehicle. Now, you’re dealing with property damage, potential injuries, and higher monthly insurance rates.
Try to Avoid Rush Hour Traffic
Rush hour traffic is never an ideal time to hit the road. Rush hour typically happens twice a day, in the morning and again in the evening. Not only is traffic often bumper-to-bumper, but tempers are usually short. No one wants to be stuck in traffic, regardless of where they’re trying to go.
If you can’t avoid the roads during rush hour, listen to traffic reports before heading out the door. You should also come up with at least one alternative route. This way, if an accident does occur, there’s a chance you can avoid the mess.
Don’t Put Off Routine Vehicle Maintenance
Your vehicle has a lot of moving parts and all are essential for safe operation. Over time, these parts can wear down and degrade. From tire blowouts to malfunctioning brakes, these issues can result in a serious car accident.
Keeping up with vehicle maintenance is a simple way of ensuring your car is safe to take out on the road. If an accident occurs and poor vehicle maintenance is an underlying cause, you may be responsible for the damages.
You Can’t Avoid All Car Accidents
Unfortunately, regardless of how careful you are, avoiding every type of car accident is almost impossible. If you’re injured in a vehicle accident in Nevada, you want to contact a personal injury attorney.
From helping you navigate the claim process to protecting your legal rights, your attorney can help you get through the aftermath of a car accident.
