Most people experience some form of car accident in their lifetime. They can range anywhere from an inconvenient fender bender to a life-threatening catastrophe. Car accidents can be traumatic, annoying, expensive, and punitive. It is important to practice safe driving skills at all times so you can minimize your chances of being involved in a car accident in Las Vegas. Here are some important safety tips to avoid a car crash in Las Vegas.
Steps You Can Take to Avoid a Car Crash
There were 58 deaths in car accidents alone as of February 2024. Over 70% of those deaths occurred in Clark County, the county that Las Vegas resides in. There has been an increase in police presence on the highways between Carson City and Reno simply in an attempt to reduce the number of car accidents in the state.
If you are involved in a car accident, reach out to an experienced personal injury lawyer in Las Vegas. Otherwise, here are some steps you can take to avoid being involved in a car accident in the first place.
- Avoid Distractions: Distracted driving remains the primary cause of car accidents in the United States. Remember that a car is dangerous when handled incorrectly. When your eyes drift away from the road in front of you, anything can happen. Try your hardest to avoid distractions of any kind and maintain your focus on the road ahead of you. Distractions can include talking on the phone, texting, eating and drinking, conversing with other passengers, road rage, and playing with the radio.
- Never Drink and Drive: Driving while under the influence (DUI) is illegal in every state, not to mention completely dangerous. Your faculties are impaired when you are intoxicated, and you greatly increase the risk of causing an accident or hitting a pedestrian. If you are pulled over and arrested for a DUI, you run the risk of incurring hefty fines, jail time, and a revocation of your driver’s license.
- Go the Speed Limit: Speed limits exist for a reason. Speed limits within the Las Vegas city limits are between 25 and 35 miles per hour. Outside the city, the limit increases greatly on the highways to 65 and 70 miles per hour. Las Vegas is a busy city with a lot of pedestrians walking around at all hours of the day. Don’t threaten their lives as well as your own by flaunting speed limits and driving recklessly.
- Let Road Rage Go: We all have our bouts of road rage. Somebody cuts you off. Somebody refuses to let you merge. It can be infuriating. However, acting on those thoughts of rage is never okay and could result in a much worse situation brewing. If you find yourself on the verge of a road rage incident, do whatever you can to let those feelings subside and continue driving. Let it go. It isn’t worth it.
- Seat Belt: Whenever you are driving or a passenger in a car, always wear your seat belt. A seat belt can save your life if an accident occurs. There should be no exceptions when wearing a seat belt.
- Practice Defensive Driving: It is always a good idea to be a defensive driver. A defensive driver is intentionally calm and analyzes potential situations as they arise. You don’t change lanes aggressively and without warning. You are not in any rush to overtake traffic. You are patient, and you are rewarded for it by not getting into accidents.
FAQs
Q: What Are Three Things You Can Do to Avoid a Crash?
A: Three things you can do to avoid a car crash are:
- Obey traffic lights and road signs.
- Avoid distractions at all costs.
- Always wear your seat belt.
Driving gets us where we need to go, but there is always a possibility of a crash. By engaging in the above behaviors, you can greatly decrease your chances of being the cause of a car accident. Do what you can to be a good driver, and try not to react emotionally while on the road.
Q: How Do You Keep Yourself Safe in a Car Crash?
A: You can keep yourself safe in a car crash largely by staying as calm as you can and notifying the proper authorities as quickly and as coherently as you are able. Panicking will not help you, and it may make things worse. Check yourself and any other passengers for injuries. Assess any damages you can see. Once the police and EMTs arrive, let them take over, decompress, and get checked out by medical professionals.
Q: How Can I Be Safe in Las Vegas?
A: Las Vegas is one of the safest tourist cities in the country, thanks to the increased police presence and casino security. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not crime- or accident-free. The smartest thing you can do to keep yourself safe is to simply exercise common sense. Be aware of your surroundings. For drivers, the smartest thing you can do is to not drive intoxicated or high. There are a lot of people on the street in Vegas.
Q: What Are Three Things You Should Do If You Get Into a Crash?
A: Three things you should do if you get into a car crash are:
- Check everyone in the car, including yourself, for injuries.
- Call 911 as soon as possible.
- Document the scene by taking photos, interviewing witnesses, and getting insurance information.
Being in a car accident can be terrifying. However, it is important that you make efforts to protect yourself if you are ever in one. Get the authorities involved, make sure everyone is okay, and start documenting everything you are able to.
Reach Out to a Las Vegas Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you are ever involved in a car accident in Las Vegas, you will need an experienced lawyer to help you file an insurance claim and recover damages. At Easton & Easton, we are determined to help you build your case, gather the necessary evidence, and advocate on your behalf in court if necessary. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
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