US 93 – Most Dangerous Highway in America: Avoiding An Accident on Your Road Trip to Las Vegas

If you are planning a trip to Las Vegas, there’s a good chance your drive will include US 93. The 1,359-mile highway runs from just south of Canada in Northern Idaho to central Arizona. It is a major throughway for visitors traveling from states adjacent to Nevada. But as millions of drivers travel down the interstate every year, the road continues to be one of the most dangerous areas in the nation. In fact, a recent report ranked US 93 as the most dangerous highway in the country, with 90 fatalities and 70 fatal crashes between 2010 and 2016. If you’re planning a trip to Las Vegas and will be traveling down US 93, it’s important to take the necessary precautions to keep you and your family safe. In the event of an accident, contact Gina Corena and Associates to learn more about your legal rights.

Why is US 93 so dangerous?

Let’s take a minute to look at the logistics. Why is it that so many accidents happen on this particular highway? The states on this stretch are not some of the most populous states in the nation, nor do they have an abnormally high number of drunk drivers on the road. According to Insurify, Arizona, Nevada, and Idaho don’t even rank in the top ten when it comes to drivers who have a previous DUI.

According to Value Penguin, the average wait time for emergency services on US 93 in Arizona is 21 minutes. That’s over double the median delay time for the highways studied. To put it in perspective, only three highways have longer wait times. Additionally, Arizona, Nevada, and Idaho have some of the highest speed limits in the country. In Arizona, the maximum posted speed limit for rural interstates is 75 mph. In Nevada and Idaho, speed limits can reach up to 80 miles per hour. These two factors are enough to make many drivers avoid this highway.

How you can stay safe on the road

Outside the city limits, there is limited traffic on US 93. You can go miles only seeing a few cars on the road. But the lack of traffic doesn’t mean that there are not dangers on the road. It’s important to do your part. This includes:

• Be alert: Rural highways have a way of making drivers complacent. The lack of traffic or law enforcement can cause drivers to ignore traffic rules or “zone out” on empty stretches of road. Because not all drivers will take the necessary precautions, it’s important to stay alert. Keep an eye out for dangerous behavior. Unfortunately, many drivers will drive well above the posted speed limit. If someone quickly comes up behind you, move over and allow them to pass.
• Buckle up: The numbers are clear — seat belts save lives. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that you can reduce your chance of fatal injury by 45%, just by buckling up. In light trucks, the difference is even greater, with seatbelts reducing your risk of fatal injury by 60%. In the event of a high-speed injury, your vehicle’s safety devices can save your life. If you need to remove your seat belt, find a safe place to pull off the road and always put your seat belt back on before you get back on the road.
• Drive safe: There is no excuse for dangerous behavior. The choices you make on the road have the potential to affect the lives of those around you. That text, that drink, they’re not worth your life. Every time you get in your car, your safety is the number one priority. Don’t drink and drive, put down the phone, and don’t drive above the posted speed limit. Your actions matter.
• Perform vehicle maintenance before your trip: Many drivers don’t understand the importance of regular vehicle maintenance. Not only will a blown tire or vehicle breakdown ruin your trip, but it can also put your life in danger. If your car stalls on the road or you have to pull over to perform repairs, other drivers may not see you. This greatly increases your risk of collision with another vehicle. Remember, you can drive several miles of US 93 without seeing a single business. If you do break down, you will have a hard time getting your car repaired.

What to do in the event of an accident

Sometimes, despite taking all the necessary precautions, accidents happen. At this point, it’s important to understand you have rights. The law allows you to seek damages from the at-fault party in the event of an accident. A personal injury claim can allow you to recoup costs associated with medical care, lost wages, and pain and suffering. At Gina Corena and Associates, we work with accident victims to make sure they get the care they deserve. We help clients work with doctors, gather evidence, and negotiate a fair and reasonable settlement. A car accident can be a traumatic experience. It’s more important than ever to take care of yourself and focus on your recovery.

Get the justice you deserve

At Gina Corena and Associates, our job is to help our clients get the justice they deserve. To achieve this, we evaluate your case, work with your care providers, and work with the insurance company to maximize the value of your case. Every state has different states regarding personal injury matters and sometimes it can be confusing to try to figure it out on your own. It’s important to have someone by your side that you can trust. If you have been in an accident and need help with your personal injury case, contact our legal team at 702-680-1111 or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free injury consultation.