Fatal Crash Data in Nevada Sorted by County

With seemingly endless expanses of desert, over 5000 miles of highways, and some of the most popular tourist destinations in the United States, Nevada is a motorist’s dream.  Tourist spots like Las Vegas, Reno, Lake Tahoe and the Hoover Dam attract 56 million visitors per year, and Nevada drivers hit the road an average of nearly 17,000 miles per year. The state’s highways are an essential part of its economy, providing transportation for goods and people, and they offer breathtaking views of Nevada’s diverse landscapes, from deserts to mountains. However, with the excitement of exploring all Nevada has to offer by car comes the risk of accidents, which can be fatal for drivers, passengers and pedestrians. 

What Causes Fatal Crashes in Nevada? 

According to the Nevada Department of Public Safety, impaired driving due to consumption of alcohol and/or drugs played a part in 43% of all fatal crashes between 2016 and 2020. With the partying culture and nightlife in Las Vegas and Reno, it is not surprising that impaired driving is a significant problem in the state. The influx of tourists can increase traffic congestion and lead to frustration among drivers, which can lead to reckless driving behaviors. Other major factors in fatal crashes included lane departure (when a vehicle moved out of its designated lane), speeding, and approaching or leaving an intersection. 

Nevada has a vast network of highways that connect major cities, tourist destinations, and rural communities. These highways are often long, straight, and relatively flat, which can encourage drivers to exceed posted speed limits. Many of Nevada’s roads are located in rural areas, where there may be fewer law enforcement officers and less traffic. Drivers in these areas may feel more comfortable speeding or engaging in other reckless behaviors, believing that they are less likely to be caught or cause accidents.

Nevada’s population is very unevenly distributed, with population density ranging from 280 people per square mile in the vast sprawl around Las Vegas, down to 0.2 per square mile in the southwestern corner of the state. The number of fatal crashes per county in Nevada varies widely as well. The Nevada Department of Public Safety has extensively researched fatal crashes and has published its findings on fatal crash data in Nevada sorted by county over a four year period from 2016 to 2020. 

Clark County

Clark County, which is home to Las Vegas, is the most populous county in Nevada with a population of 2,231,647 people –  22.1% of the total population of the state. Some of Nevada’s busiest highways run through the area, including I-15, US 93 and US 95. Unfortunately, the higher population density means it has the highest number of fatal crashes. Between 2016 and 2020, there were 951 fatal crashes in Clark County, accounting for 64.6% of all fatal crashes in Nevada. 

Washoe County

Washoe County is located in the northwestern part of Nevada, bordered by the state of California to the west and the state of Oregon to the north. Its county seat is Reno, which is the second-largest city in Nevada after Las Vegas, and it covers a total area of approximately 6,600 square miles.  Its proximity to Lake Tahoe makes it a popular tourist destination for boating, skiing, and hiking, and nearly half a million residents live in the county. The number of people traveling through and around Washoe County makes the fatal crash rate the second highest in the state, with 208 fatal crashes between 2016 and 2020. 

Nye County

Nye County is enormous when it comes to geographical area, occupying 18,000 square miles in the south-central part of Nevada. It is the third largest county in the United States, but home to only 49,000 people – a population density of 2.7 people per square mile. Nye is famous for being the location of the highly secretive Area 51 military base. Between 2016 and 2020, there were 45 fatal crashes in the county. 

Elko County

Elko County is the second largest county in Nevada, spanning over 17,000 square miles, but has only 52,000 residents, making it one of the most sparsely populated counties in the state. For its small population, Elko is rich in culture, with descendents from original Basque settlers celebrating traditions from the area in an annual festival, as well as several restaurants serving Basque cuisine. There is also an annual Cowboy Poetry Gathering at the Western Folklife Center. However, the expanse of highways over long distances and the influx of tourists may contribute to dangerous conditions on the road. Unfortunately for Elko residents and visitors, there were 41 fatal crashes between 2016 and 2020. 

Lyon County

South of Reno and east of Carson City, Lyon County is located in the western part of the state of Nevada and is known for its rugged terrain, historic mining towns, and outdoor recreation opportunities, including hiking, camping, and fishing. The county’s geographical area is considerably smaller than Elko County, and home to only 54,000 people. There were 37 fatal crashes between 2016 and 2020, comprising 2.5% of the total in the state. 

Douglas County

Douglas County is located in the western part of the state of Nevada,  situated south of Carson City and east of Lake Tahoe, with a population of about 50,000. The county’s proximity to Lake Tahoe and other tourist destinations makes it a popular location for gaming and entertainment. Between 2016 and 2020, 2.1% of fatal crashes in Nevada took place in Douglas County – a total of 31. 

Churchill County

East of Reno in the western part of Nevada, Churchill County is home to approximately 50,000 residents, making it one of the state’s smaller counties by population and is primarily an agricultural area with ranching and farming operations located throughout the area. Over the four year period researched by the Nevada Department of Public Safety, 32 fatal crashes took place in Churchill County. 

If you are involved in a vehicle crash in Nevada, Our skilled car accident lawyer in Las Vegas is committed to providing personalized attention and professional representation for your case. Contact us or call 702-680-1111 for a free consultation.

While Nevada’s roads see their fair share of accidents, the bustling casinos in cities like Las Vegas and Reno also present their own set of risks. From slip and fall incidents to altercations, the vibrant atmosphere of these gaming hubs can sometimes lead to unforeseen accidents and injuries. If you’re planning a trip to one of Nevada’s famous casinos, it’s essential to be aware of potential hazards and know your rights should an accident occur. Learn more about the safety measures and responsibilities of Vegas casinos to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.