LAS VEGAS RANKS LOW FOR DRIVER SAFETY

Recently, Las Vegas ranked 144 out of 200 cities in the United States for driver safety. The recent report reveals that drivers in Las Vegas have a car accident every eight years and are an astounding 21 percent more likely to suffer a crash than the national average.

Common Reasons for Car Accidents in Las Vegas

There are a number of reasons that the rate of car crashes in Las Vegas is so high. Some of the most common include:

• Distracted Driving: Distracted driving remains one of the leading causes of vehicle crashes in the city. Many people associate the term “distracted driving” with texting and other cellphone usage. Eating or drinking, having pets in the vehicle, adjusting the stereo or GPS, and even other passengers can cause driver distraction as well however.
• Driving Under the Influence: DUI is a major cause of car crashes in the city. There are more than 8,000 DUI arrests in Las Vegas every year, and the city leads the nation for DUI-related vehicle accidents. Although the majority of DUI accidents are related to the use of alcohol, marijuana, illegal drugs, and even prescription medications can cause driver impairment also.
• Reckless Driving: Speeding, neglecting to abide by traffic laws, and overestimating driver ability often cause car crashes in Las Vegas too. Unfortunately, the mere design of the city could be partially to blame. Since Las Vegas is arranged in square mile blocks with traffic lights every mile, the streets often become gridlocked which results in driver frustration and negligent driving.
• Tourism: Tourism is the major industry in Nevada, and Las Vegas, the state’s largest city, is a popular tourist destination for people of all ages. Gambling, exciting entertainment, museums and other attractions, and a fascinating night life bring visitors from all over the world. Sadly this results in city streets that are often extremely congested with thousands of drivers who are distracted by the flashing lights and unfamiliar surroundings they encounter, increasing the chances of car crashes.

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Avoiding Car Crashes in Las Vegas

While even the most experienced, careful drivers can become involved in car accidents, there are a few things they can do to lower their risk. Drivers should avoid driving while impaired, always abide by traffic laws, be aware of other vehicles and pedestrians, and expect the unexpected.