The Common Causes of Car Accidents in Las Vegas

Car accidents in Vegas are very common around this time of year. People are more relaxed because it is the holidays and they have their attention focused on family, friends, and celebrating what hopefully was a great 2018. But during these times is when you need to be extra vigilante on the road. As one of Vegas’s main auto body shops we have seen our fair share road collisions that could have been easily avoided. Here are the common causes of car accidents in Vegas that you need to look out for.

Car Accidents in Vegas

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving has been a leading cause of car accidents for decades and it is only getting worse. If you’re driving down through Sin City, it can be especially hard not to have your mind wander at what is happening around you. Couple that with the increasing dependence on phones results in one thing, an increase in auto collisions. Distracted driving encompasses texting, eating, and letting your mind wander on the external environment. Did you know that each day in the US approximately 9 people are killed due to distracted driving?

Drunk Driving

We all know the danger’s associated with drunk driving. Drivers with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.08% or higher (i.e., drunk drivers) are considered alcohol-impaired by law. In 2016 there was a reported 101 road accident fatalities in Vegas which accounted for just over 30% of all road deaths in the state. If you have had a few drinks don’t take the chance, there are plenty of designated driver and taxi services in the city. Plan ahead and get home safe! While alcohol is the culprit we usually associate with DUIs, drugs, including marijuana, prescription pills and other illegal drugs also cause terrible accidents.

Speeding & Reckless Driving

They both go hand in hand and can occur when there is a rush to get somewhere. Speeding and reckless driving give you less time to deal with any possible collisions that you may come across. Other drivers around you will also not accommodate their driving with your over the top speeding, further increasing the chances of a car accident in Vegas occurring. Slow down and give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. Reckless driving includes speeding, aggressive lane swapping, running red lights, or turning right on red without enough of a gap between you and the oncoming traffic.

Tailgating

This could be under the reckless driving category, but we feel it deserve its own spot. There are a lot of drivers out there that get frustrated when a slow driver is blocking their way and will aggressively get too close to the rear of the bumper to either make them move aside or speed up. We would never advise this as it won’t give you enough time to stop if the car in front has to suddenly brake. In the auto collision industry rear ended accidents are one of the most common jobs we come across. While it is great for our business it is not great for you. Slow down and always give yourself 2 cars distance from you and the next.

Improper Turns

For the locals from Las Vegas this might seem pretty simple to understand, but you have to remember that Vegas is a big tourist attraction, and the majority of these won’t know the layout of the city. Taking improper turns is one thing, but with the influx of international tourists that are from countries that drive on the left-hand side of the road you can see how it can get confusing. That is why we stress the importance of being extra vigilante when it comes to driving around the tourist hotspots.

Drowsy Driving

It happens more often than you think. It is estimated that over 6,000 people die every year in the US from drowsy driving. This doesn’t mean that they completely fall asleep during the drive, but the effects of drowsiness can mimic alcohol to the point where your reaction times are slow, and you are taking more time to fully assess the situation. If you are taking a long road trip to visit friends and family over the holidays, make sure that you are accounting for pitstops along the way to rest or you have a partner that can share the driving responsibilities with.

Car Accidents in Vegas | Auto Collision Repair

Car accidents in Vegas are common during this time of year but can be avoided. If you have been in a recent auto collision call Sudden Impact Auto today at 702-457-3002 now or bring your vehicle to our shop for a free car inspection. We will get you back on the road quickly and safely. If you have been in an accident and have sustained some injuries you should an injury lawyer to help you get back on track. Check out this page if you want more car accident statistics.