How Many Car Accidents Happen in Las Vegas a Day?

Las Vegas is famous for its exciting nightlife and busy streets, but it’s also known for something far less thrilling—car accidents. With so many people, both tourists and locals, driving around daily, it’s no surprise that accidents are common. But exactly how many car accidents happen in Las Vegas each day?

According to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, there were 20,324 car accidents in the city in 2021 alone. That averages out to about 56 accidents every single day. This number is staggering, showing a nearly 20% increase in accidents from the previous year. The busy nature of Las Vegas, combined with heavy traffic, makes it one of the more dangerous places to drive in the United States.

Is Las Vegas a Dangerous City for Driving?

When it comes to safe driving, Las Vegas doesn’t rank well compared to other major cities in the U.S. According to the Allstate America’s Best Driver’s Report, Las Vegas is ranked 129th out of 200 cities, which is pretty low.

But why is driving in Las Vegas particularly risky?

• Traffic Congestion: Las Vegas is a city that never sleeps, and neither does its traffic. The roads are always busy, especially during rush hours and near popular tourist spots. This constant congestion increases the likelihood of accidents.

• Tourists and Rental Cars: A large portion of Las Vegas traffic consists of tourists who may not be familiar with the roads. They often drive rental cars, which they aren’t used to, and get easily distracted by the city’s attractions, leading to more accidents.

• Local Driving Behavior: The aggressive driving culture in Las Vegas doesn’t help. Speeding, tailgating, and frequent lane changes are common, making accidents more likely.

Drivers in Las Vegas have an average of 8.35 years between accidents, which is much lower than the national average of 14.95 years. In North Las Vegas, the situation is even worse, with drivers averaging just 7.6 years between accidents and being 39.2% more likely to crash.

Types of Car Accidents in Las Vegas

Car accidents in Las Vegas come in all shapes and sizes, but most of them involve injuries. In 2021, out of the 20,324 reported accidents:

• Injury Accidents: 11,363 (56%) involved injuries to drivers, passengers, or pedestrians.

• Non-Injury Accidents: 8,961 (44%) were reported with no injuries.

• Pedestrian Involvement: 706 accidents involved pedestrians, highlighting how dangerous it can be to walk around the city. 

• Fatal Accidents: 149 of these accidents were fatal, with lives lost including drivers (40), motorcyclists and moped riders (42), pedestrians (47), passengers (16), and bicyclists (4).

These numbers show how crucial it is to drive carefully and follow traffic rules to avoid injuries and fatalities on Las Vegas roads.

Major Causes of Car Accidents in Las Vegas

Understanding what causes car accidents in Las Vegas can help drivers avoid common mistakes and stay safe on the road. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department identified several key factors that contributed to fatal accidents:

• Failure to Yield Right of Way (ROW): This was the leading cause of fatal accidents, accounting for 36% of them. Not yielding when required—like when turning left at an intersection, entering a roundabout, or merging onto a highway—can lead to serious collisions.

• Pedestrian Error: Pedestrians not using crosswalks or not paying attention to traffic caused 26% of fatal crashes. It’s important for pedestrians to stay alert and follow traffic signals to avoid accidents.

• Failure to Stay in Lane: This was responsible for 25% of fatal accidents. When drivers drift out of their lane, they risk colliding with other vehicles or running off the road, often due to distractions like cell phone use or being under the influence.

• Speeding: Driving too fast was behind 10% of fatal accidents. High speeds reduce a driver’s reaction time and increase the severity of crashes.

• Other Dangerous Driving Behaviors: Reckless driving, ignoring traffic signals, and driving while fatigued made up 3% of fatal accidents. Even though these behaviors are less common, they still lead to severe consequences.

Seasonal Variations in Accident Rates

Accident rates in Las Vegas can change a lot depending on the season, time of day, and local events:

• Holidays and Weekends: Accident rates usually spike during holidays and weekends when more people are on the road, often rushing or driving under the influence. These times also see more tourists, which can increase the risk of accidents.

• Time of Day: Rush hours—early mornings and late afternoons—see higher accident rates due to the increased number of cars on the road. Nighttime also presents challenges with reduced visibility and a higher chance of drunk driving.

• Special Events: Big events, such as conventions or concerts, can cause traffic jams and lead to more accidents as drivers navigate unfamiliar routes or deal with the stress of heavy traffic.

Preventative Measures and Safety Tips

Both drivers and pedestrians can take steps to reduce the risk of accidents:

For Drivers:

•  Always follow the speed limit, especially in busy areas.
•  Avoid distractions while driving, like using your phone.
•  Be extra cautious during peak traffic times and in unfamiliar areas.
•  Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

For Pedestrians:

• Use crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
• Stay alert and avoid distractions like texting while walking.
• Wear visible clothing at night to make sure drivers can see you.

For Cyclists:

•  Follow traffic laws and signal your turns.
•  Use designated bike lanes where available.
•   Wear protective gear, including helmets, and use lights or reflectors to make yourself more visible to drivers.

Legal Aspects of Car Accidents in Las Vegas

If you’re involved in a car accident in Las Vegas, it’s important to understand your legal rights and responsibilities:

• Understanding Liability: Determining who is at fault in an accident can be complicated. Liability might fall on the driver, pedestrian, cyclist, or even a third party, depending on the situation.

• Statute of Limitations: In Nevada, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. If the injury isn’t discovered until later, the clock starts from the discovery date.

• Compensation for Victims: Accident victims may be entitled to compensation for both economic damages (like medical bills and lost wages) and non-economic damages (such as pain and suffering).

What to Do If You Are Involved in a Car Accident? 

If you find yourself in a car accident in Las Vegas, here’s what you should do:

1. Stay Calm and Safe: Check for injuries and move to a safe location if possible.
2. Call 911: Report the accident to the police and request medical help if needed.
3. Exchange Information: Get the names, contact details, and insurance information of all parties involved.
4. Document the Scene: Take photos of the accident scene, including vehicle damage and any injuries.
5. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, some injuries might not show up right away.
6. Contact Legal Help: If the accident was caused by someone else’s negligence, consider contacting a lawyer to discuss your rights and potential compensation.

Conclusion

Car accidents in Las Vegas are unfortunately common, but by staying informed and practicing safe driving, you can reduce your risk of being involved in one. Whether you’re a driver, pedestrian, or cyclist, understanding the causes of accidents and taking steps to prevent them can make the roads safer for everyone.

If you are involved in a car accident, call 702-680-1111 or contact our experienced legal team today, and we will work to get the compensation you deserve.