Las Vegas Strip Accidents and Injuries – Statistics and Prevention
Las Vegas is a popular destination, welcoming and receiving about 40 million visitors each year. While most visitors have a positive experience, unfortunately some suffer serious or fatal injuries during their stay. Statistics show 2,884 or 67% of non-resident deaths in the past decade resulted from accidents. Many occur in and around the high traffic, high tourist area of the Strip. Las Vegas Strip accidents range from minor fender benders to major car crashes, pedestrian injuries and fatalities, motorcycle wrecks, bicycle collisions, casino and hotel injuries, as well as, alcohol and drug-related accidents. Most visitors come to Vegas for important business and/or pleasure. The last thing you want to happen is to find yourself in a dangerous situation or in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Traffic-Related Fatalities and Causes in Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas has had more than 100 traffic-related deaths as of this year. These fatalities include motor vehicle and pedestrian accidents, often caused by distracted drivers, speeding, red-light running and impaired driving. Many of the car crashes around town may be partly due to the fact that Las Vegas tourists, visitors or even locals are driving on unfamiliar streets.
Las Vegas Pedestrian Accidents and Pedestrian Safety Measures
Pedestrian accidents are often caused by distracted and/or reckless drivers failing to see people in the crowded streets, sidewalks and crosswalks on the Strip. In recognition of pedestrian safety and traffic flow issues, plans were announced by the Nevada Transportation Department for upgrades to four pedestrian bridges on the Strip. This $26 million upgrade is projected to be completed mid-2017.
How to Stay Safe on the Strip – Safety Tips for Vegas Visitors and Locals
When visiting Las Vegas, or even working and living here, it’s important to be careful especially in and around high traffic areas of Las Vegas Boulevard. How can you stay safe on the Strip? Keep these safety tips in mind in order to help prevent Las Vegas Strip accidents:
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Know where you need to go and the manner to get there.
- Distracted driving is dangerous. Keep your eyes on the road and hands off your phone. It’s illegal to handle a cell phone or other electronic device while operating a vehicle in Nevada and that includes texting and talking.
- If you can avoid the more congested areas, whether driving or walking, you should do so.
- Don’t drive impaired. Instead, use other alternatives such as a designated driver, friend/family member, transportation network company (TNC) like Uber or Lyft, Las Vegas Monorail, taxi or shuttle.
Prepare for Potential Dangers – Helpful Information and Resources
These are the types of potential dangers that exist in Vegas, and the same or similar hazards are also present in other busy and popular tourist cities. Safety is paramount in the Las Vegas Valley, which is a major metropolitan area with a police force who can employ comprehensive security measures, crowd management and accident prevention tactics whenever needed. The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) has access to multiple resources to ensure the safety of locals and the many visitors to this great city. Take note of this information and resources:
- Police: In case you need to contact the LVMPD, also known as the “Metro,” call their local emergency or non-emergency telephone numbers.
- Bicyclists: There are important Nevada bicycle safety tips and laws for cyclists and motorists.
- Construction Zones: Know about current roadwork and construction zones to navigate safely around road construction sites.
- Dangerous Intersections and More: Learn about dangerous intersections, auto recalls, local hospitals and other valuable information via Street Smart Vegas, a free app and essential toolkit loaded with resources, helping all roadway users stay safer in the streets of Las Vegas.
- Motorcyclists: Nevada law requires motorcyclists to wear a helmut. Motorists and motorcyclists should share the road. Find out other important information to ride safe.
- What If You’re Injured: Find out about what you can do if you’re a Las Vegas visitor, tourist or business traveler and you get injured, or you’re a Las Vegas local injured by a non-resident.
During busy holidays, major events or anytime of the year, we at Eglet Prince want to remind you that getting to your destination is more important than when you get there. Help prevent Las Vegas Strip accidents. Please remember to slow down when needed, watch the road (not the neon lights!) and don’t drive impaired. Enjoy your trip to the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, not regret it.