Gina M Corena at GIna Corena & Associates

Founding Member & Managing Partner at Gina Corena & Associates

Practice Areas: Personal Injury

Car accidents are unfortunately common across the United States, and Nevada is no exception. From crowded highways in Las Vegas to the winding roads of rural areas, the state’s diverse driving conditions contribute to various types of accidents. Understanding the common causes of car accidents in Nevada and how to avoid them can not only help you drive more safely. Still, it can also prevent serious injuries and costly legal battles if you’re ever involved in an accident.

In this blog, we’ll dive into some of the most frequent causes of car accidents in Nevada, including distracted driving, driving under the influence, speeding, and failure to yield. We will also provide actionable tips on how you can stay safe on the road.

1. Speeding: A Leading Cause of Fatal Car Accidents

Nevada is home to various types of roads, from the crowded freeways in Las Vegas to rural highways with long stretches of open road. Speeding on any road can be dangerous, but it’s hazardous in areas with unpredictable road conditions like high winds, construction zones, etc.

“High speeds increase the distance needed to stop a vehicle, making it harder for drivers to react to sudden hazards like pedestrians, other vehicles, or traffic signals.”

In Nevada, speed-related accidents are common on highways and rural roads where drivers feel more confident exceeding speed limits.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), speeding contributed to 29% of all fatal crashes in the U.S. in 2022.

How to Stay Safe:

  • Follow posted speed limits and adjust speed based on road conditions.
  • Keep a safe distance from other vehicles to allow enough stopping time.
  • Avoid aggressive driving behaviors such as tailgating or weaving through traffic.

“Speeding doesn’t just increase accident risk—it makes collisions far deadlier.” – NHTSA.

2. Distracted Driving: The Rising Cause of Crashes in Nevada

The NHTSA reports that in 2022, distracted driving led to 3,308 fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. Nevada has strict distracted driving laws, yet many drivers still engage in risky behaviors behind the wheel.

Drivers are often distracted by:

Nevada distracted driving causes crashes - corena law

Why Cell Phones Are a Major Contributor?

With the rise of cell phone use and in-car technology, distracted driving has become a significant threat on Nevada roads. Texting, talking on the phone, or checking social media take the driver’s eyes and focus off the road.

Texting while driving is particularly dangerous because it requires visual, manual, and cognitive attention at once.

The alarming truth is that texting while driving makes you 23 times more likely to crash. Even hands-free technology can contribute to distracted driving, as it often diverts focus from the road.

Prevention Tips:

  • Put your phone on Do Not Disturb mode before driving.
  • Use voice-activated technology if necessary, but minimize interaction.
  • Pull over if you need to read or send a text.

“A driver texting at 55 mph covers the length of a football field with their eyes off the road.” – NSC.

3. Failure to Yield: A Major Cause of Intersection Crashes

Accidents caused by failure to yield often happen at intersections, on ramps, or in yield zones. Whether a driver fails to yield to pedestrians, cyclists, or other vehicles, the result can be catastrophic.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), failure to yield contributes to nearly 20% of fatal intersection crashes. This highlights how vital it is for drivers to understand and follow right-of-way rules.

When a driver fails to yield, they may cut across traffic, leading to a side-impact collision or a “T-bone” crash. Because of the direct impact on the side of the vehicle, these types of accidents are often more serious than rear-end collisions.

How to Avoid Failure-to-Yield Accidents:

  • Follow right-of-way rules at intersections.
  • Watch for pedestrians and cyclists, especially in urban areas.
  • Make sure the intersection or ramp is clear before proceeding.
  • Yield signs are placed to help drivers safely navigate intersections. Obey them at all times.

4. Driving Under the Influence: A Deadly Decision

Drunk and impaired driving remains a severe problem in Las Vegas and throughout Nevada. According to NHTSA, nearly 32% of all traffic fatalities in the U.S. involve an impaired driver.

In cities like Las Vegas, where nightlife is active, DUI-related accidents spike during weekends and holidays. Whether it’s alcohol, drugs, or a combination of both, impaired driving is a deadly problem on Nevada’s roads.

The state’s high tourism rates and nightlife scene, especially in Las Vegas, contribute to a rise in drunk driving incidents. DUI-related accidents cause severe injuries and fatalities every year.

Driving under the influence is illegal in Nevada, with strict penalties including fines, license suspension, and even jail time for repeat offenders.

How to Prevent DUI Accidents:

  • If you’re impaired, take a taxi or ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft.
  • Understand the effects of alcohol and medication before driving.
  • Report reckless drivers to local authorities if you suspect impairment.

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5. Reckless and Aggressive Driving: A Threat to Everyone

Aggressive driving, including tailgating, road rage, and weaving between lanes, is a common factor in high-speed collisions. Nevada highways see many aggressive drivers trying to overtake slower vehicles, leading to sideswiping and rear-end crashes.

Warning Signs of Aggressive Drivers:

  • Excessive honking and tailgating
  • Sudden lane changes without signaling
  • Cutting off other vehicles dangerously

How to Stay Safe:

  • Avoid engaging with aggressive drivers—let them pass.
  • Keep a calm mindset and avoid retaliating.
  • If threatened, call 911 and report the driver.

6. Following Too Closely: The Risk of Rear-End Collisions

Tailgating or following too closely is another leading cause of car accidents in Nevada. These types of accidents are common in heavy traffic, especially during rush hours.

Rear-end collisions occur when a driver doesn’t leave enough space between their vehicle and the car in front of them. This is especially dangerous in Nevada, where roads can be congested, and sudden stops are often required.

Legal consequences of tailgating include fines, points on your driving record, and increased insurance premiums.”

Tips for Maintaining a Safe Following Distance

Use the “two-second rule.” This means you should maintain a two-second gap between your car and the one ahead. Increase this gap in poor weather or heavy traffic.

Avoid driving too close to large vehicles, as they have longer stopping distances.

Tailgating leads to rear collisions - corena law

What to Do If You’re Involved in a Car Accident in Nevada

If you find yourself in a car accident, it’s essential to know what steps you can take to ensure your safety.

Immediate Steps After a Car Accident

  • Call 911: Report the accident to the police and request immediate medical treatment if needed.
  • Gather Evidence: Take photos, document the scene, and get contact information from witnesses.
  • Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get checked out by a doctor, as injuries may not show immediately.

How a Nevada Car Accident Lawyer Can Help You

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming. An experienced car accident lawyer in Nevada can help you understand your legal rights, deal with insurance companies, and ensure that you receive your fair share of compensation for your injuries.

FAQs

1. What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Nevada?

The most common causes include speeding, distracted driving, DUI, failure to yield, and poor road conditions.

2. How Often Do Cell Phones Cause Car Accidents?

According to the National Safety Council (NSC), cell phone use while driving leads to 1.6 million crashes annually.

3. Failure to Yield Is the Primary Cause of What Percentage of Accidents?

Failure to yield contributes to approximately 20% of fatal intersection accidents, according to the IIHS.

4. How Can I Avoid a Car Accident in Bad Traffic?

  • Stay patient and avoid aggressive driving.
  • Keep a safe following distance.
  • Use alternate routes if possible.

Conclusion

Car accidents in Nevada often result from preventable factors like speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, and aggressive behaviors. By understanding these risks and practicing safe driving habits, you can protect yourself and others on the road.

If you’ve been involved in a bad traffic accident or are seeking legal guidance after an accident, contact Gina Corena & Associates for a free consultation. Protect your rights and get the legal help you deserve.

As founder of Gina Corena & Associates, she is dedicated to fighting for the rights of the people who suffer life-changing personal injuries in car, truck and motorcycle accidents as well as other types of personal injury. Gina feels fortunate to serve the Nevada community and hold wrongdoers accountable for their harm to her clients.

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