In 2019, there were 145 car accidents in Clark County, representing 62 percent of all crashes in the state of Nevada for that year. In addition, 149 people died in those accidents. Although the numbers are lower than in 2018, when there were 299 accidents and 329 fatalities, Las Vegas car accidents are still higher than they should be.
Passenger Restraint
One of the biggest reasons people die in Nevada car accidents, according to a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer, is that they are not restrained. In 2019, 21, or 14 percent, of those who died in Las Vegas car accidents were not wearing a seatbelt. Wearing a seatbelt is one of the best ways to keep yourself safe, whether you are a driver or a passenger. Although airbags are designed to protect you, failing to wear a seatbelt can increase your risk of injury or death from airbag deployment. If you’ve been injured in a Las Vegas car accident due to negligence, check out our post on how a car accident may affect you physically for more information on post-accident actions.
Types of Fatalities
Further review of the statistics shows that the most significant percentage of those killed in Clark County were pedestrians, followed closely by motorcyclists. In 2019, 42 pedestrians were killed and 29 motorcyclists died in traffic accidents. An injury lawyer in Las Vegas explained that pedestrian and motorcycle deaths could be attributed to errors by vehicle drivers as well as pedestrians and motorcyclists. Never text or talk on your mobile phone behind the wheel of a car. Even a slight distraction can take your eyes off the road, and even a few seconds could mean the difference between life and death. To better understand the importance of defensive driving and avoiding distractions, check out our guide on how to stay safe with the rise of distracted driving car accidents.
Impaired Driving
Another common factor in fatal Las Vegas car accidents is impaired driving. Too often, people spend time at casinos, restaurants, or bars in the city and then get behind the wheel of a car. Getting a ticket for DUI is expensive, but it is far more costly, both monetarily and psychologically, if someone dies because you got behind the wheel while impaired. It’s also important to remember that it’s not only illegal drugs that can lead to a DUI arrest—some cold medicines, sleep aids, and over-the-counter medications can impair your ability to drive safely.
If you’re not sure whether you can drive safely or you know you’ve had one too many drinks, using a ride-share service, taxi, or public transportation can prevent accidents and save lives. For more on ride-share programs and how to stay safe, visit our blog on Uber and Lyft car accidents and personal injury in Nevada.
Encouraging Statistics
Statistics from the Nevada Department of Transportation are encouraging, as they show a drop in traffic fatalities and incidences of impaired driving over the past few years. Marijuana-related deaths have decreased by 25 percent, despite the legalization of marijuana in Nevada. While concerns arose that legalization would lead to an increase in traffic fatalities, the law was only passed two years ago, and experts caution that it may still be too early to determine the long-term impact. However, it remains crucial that no one drives under the influence of marijuana. To learn more about car accident statistics in Nevada and how they have evolved over time, read our in-depth analysis of Nevada car accident statistics.
If you or a loved one has been injured, or a loved one has been killed in a Las Vegas car accident, contact the Las Vegas personal injury lawyer trusted by residents, The Schnitzer Law Firm. You can schedule a no-obligation appointment by calling 702-960-4050, emailing contact@theschnitzerlawfirm.com, or filling out the secure online form.