Nevada is a state that receives many visitors every year, even with the nation facing a pandemic due to the coronavirus. With the gradual reopening of cities across the nation, Nevada will likely see more and more visitors to its tourist attractions.
The Statistics
According to ZeroFatalities.com, a website that tracks traffic-related deaths across the nation, there were 284 car crash-related fatalities in Nevada in 2019. Impaired driving, according to the research, is the number one cause of motor vehicle crashes, injuries, and fatalities in Nevada. According to ZeroFatalitiesNV.com, in the state of Nevada:
- 92 lives were lost due to speeding in 2018;
- 384 people lost their lives between 2013 and 2017 due to impaired driving;
- 305 people were killed in motorcycle-related crashes between 2013 and 2017;
- 415 unseatbelted passengers lost their lives in car accidents between 2013 and 2017;
- 286 people were killed in intersection-related car crashes between 2013 and 2017.
While the number of car accidents and deaths in Nevada has gone down from 2018 to 2019, and may continue to decrease in 2020 due to stay-at-home orders during the pandemic, the numbers are still higher than they should be.
Types of Crashes
As can be seen by the data, there are several types of accidents that cause injuries and deaths in Nevada. Below are some types of accidents and the causes behind the alarming statistics regarding traffic accident-related deaths and injuries.
Failure to Wear Seat Belts
One of the main causes of fatalities in crashes in Nevada is that passengers do not wear their seat belts. 21 people who died in Las Vegas car accidents in 2019 were not wearing a seat belt. This number amounts to 14% of passengers in accidents. While airbags are designed to protect both the driver and passengers in the event of a car accident, failure to wear a seat belt can significantly increase one’s risk of serious injury or death from airbag deployment in the event of a car accident.
Distracted Driving
Nationwide, distracted driving is one of the top causes of traffic accident-related injuries and deaths. In today’s modern society, we are constantly being distracted by technology. While talking on the phone, texting, using a GPS, or adjusting the radio while behind the wheel are all distractions, so are non-technology-based tasks such as eating, grooming, and talking to passengers. Any of these distractions can result in a serious accident or event death, depending on the speed and impact of the collision. Even a slight distraction can take a driver’s eyes off the road, and just a few seconds of doing so can mean disaster for all.
Impaired Driving
Another top cause of car accident-related deaths in Nevada is impaired driving. In Las Vegas specifically, people spend time drinking in the casinos, bars, or restaurants and then get behind the wheel of their cars. A driver can be impaired from drugs, as well, and not only the illegal kind. Cold medicine, sleep aids, and other over-the-counter medication can all cause impairment or drowsiness behind the wheel, and drivers who take them are putting themselves and others in danger. While getting a ticket for DUI can be costly, it is much worse when an accident happens resulting in injuries or death. Instead of getting behind the wheel, use a ride-share program, public transportation, or hail a taxi cab.
Our Experienced Attorneys can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Nevada traffic accident, contact the experienced personal injury attorneys at Matt Pfau Law Group. Schedule your no-obligation consultation today.
