Thousands of car accidents happen every year and disrupt the lives of individuals and families across the state. The data provided by the 2024 Nevada car accident statistics paints a tragic picture of the risks that residents face on a daily basis.
If you have been the victim of a car accident, contact a Las Vegas car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Common Causes and Injuries in Car Accidents in Nevada
Nevada is home to more than three million residents and is a popular tourist destination as well. As a result, there is significant traffic and risk for car accidents throughout the state. Collisions may be caused by distractions, speeding, alcohol or drug use, fatigue, and aggressive or reckless driving, among other factors. Motorists, motorcycles, pedestrians, and bicyclists are common victims of these accidents.
These collisions have the potential to cause serious harm and disrupt the lives of victims. Some common types of car accident injuries include head injuries, whiplash, spine injuries, broken bones, soft tissue damage, and more.
Even if injuries seem minor, it is critical to receive medical attention to rule out or treat hidden conditions. Swift treatment can mean the difference between life and death after a crash.
2024 Vehicle Fatality and Injury Statistics
According to the Nevada Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety’s 2024 Annual Report and Nevada Statewide Monthly Fatal Report, there was a noticeable increase in fatalities during the 2024 calendar year. The 2024 car accident statistics show that 419 vehicle fatalities were reported over the course of the year. This marks a 3.20% increase in traffic fatalities over 2023.
The data shows that January, February, March, May, October, November, and December saw the highest numbers of crashes. When looking at where these accidents occurred, Clark County unsurprisingly ranked number one for the county with the most vehicle fatalities at 297 deaths. Other counties with elevated fatality numbers include Washoe, Elko, Lyon, and Nye Counties.
While injury data is not yet available for 2024, a brief look at 2023 shows that car accident injury numbers remained high, with 1,176 serious traffic injuries. When these numbers were reported, Nevada successfully met its goal of reducing car accident injuries across the state and saw a decrease from those that were seen in 2023.
Pedestrian Fatalities During the 2024 Calendar Year
Nevada is home to many tourist attractions such as casinos, resorts, event venues, retail centers, and more. These types of locations often have increased foot traffic, which puts pedestrians at a greater risk of injury. The data reveals that there were 113 pedestrian fatalities in 2024, which is a 1.80% increase over the year before.
Clark and Washoe Counties top the list for where pedestrian accidents are most likely to occur. With major cities and tourist attractions in both counties, pedestrians are more exposed here than in other locations throughout the state. Distractions, poor visibility, and intoxication may increase the likelihood of this type of accident occurring.
Pedestrians are considered vulnerable road users since they are among those at the highest risk of injury or death in the event of an accident. Those on foot have no external protection, so they often take the full impact of a vehicle during a collision. This is likely to cause brain injuries, internal damage, and other severe conditions that can cause severe complications or result in death.
Bicyclists, Motorcycle Drivers, and Other Motorized Vehicles At Risk in Nevada
Bicyclists are another common demographic that is susceptible to vehicle-related fatalities and injuries. Fifteen bicyclists suffered fatalities during the most recent year, representing a 7.14% increase over 2023. These fatalities were concentrated in Clark County, with a few in Washoe County. Aside from a helmet, cyclists remain largely unprotected from harm.
In addition to cyclists, Motorcycle drivers are also at high risk of being involved in an accident. The 2024 calendar year saw a total of 83 fatalities, which was up 27.69% from the previous year. While Clark and Washoe Counties saw the most accidents, there were a small number of motorcycle fatalities in Esmeralda and Nye Counties as well.
Finally, the 2024 data also reveals that individuals on scooters, mopeds, and ATVs were at risk for harm. While this group saw the least amount of traffic fatalities, there were six deaths in Clark County and one death in Storey County.
All members in this group are vulnerable to injury when accidents occur due to their limited protection. They are more likely to suffer harm than motorists since they are more exposed.
Nevada Falls Short of Traffic Safety Goals for 2024
2024 saw an increase in vehicle-related accidents in Nevada. When comparing the state’s goals against the most recent data, the numbers show that the state has fallen short in its efforts to reduce injury and fatality rates for motorists, pedestrians, and bicyclists. During the past year, a significant number of accidents occurred, and citations were given for the following types of accidents:
- Speeding: 26,861
- Distracted driving: 2,447
- Running red lights: 872
- Failure to yield: 857
- Lack of seat belt usage: 509
- Vulnerable road user: 475
- DUI: 446
- Reckless driving: 161
- Improper child seats: 85
Additionally, 11,235 warnings were issued and 926 field sobriety tests were conducted. These 2024 Nevada car accident statistics highlight the traffic and safety challenges the state faces, and how many lives are endangered by such actions.
While some benchmarks listed in the report showed improvement, fatality rates did not. Learn how to lower your risk of a Nevada car accident with our tips.
Contact H&P Law Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, contact H&P Law right away. With more than 60 years of combined experience, we fiercely fight for you. We understand how much a car accident can disrupt your life, and we ensure you have options and are compensated fairly.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your Nevada car accident with our team.
