Why Do Tourists Get into Car Accidents in Las Vegas
Over 42 million people come to Las Vegas each year, and with this growing number of tourists comes an increasing rate of car accidents involving tourists, with around 5% to 10% of auto accidents in Las Vegas involving tourists. Understanding why tourists get into car wrecks in Las Vegas can help prevent you and your family from being involved in an accident while visiting Sin City.
Common Reasons for Tourist Accidents in Las Vegas
Unfamiliarity with Nevada Roads
A primary reason tourists are involved in motor vehicle accidents in Las Vegas is their unfamiliarity with the city’s roads. Tourists, especially those from low-population areas, may become overwhelmed with the overflow of cars, trucks, buses, and construction that fills the roads in Las Vegas.
Overflow of Distractions
Las Vegas is no stranger to dazzling lights, eye-catching billboards, and unique structures such as The Sphere. While all of these add character to Las Vegas, they also cause distracted driving accidents. Tourists are not used to the lights and often try to capture photos and videos, so accidents are bound to occur.
Driving Under the Influence
Tourists who don’t properly plan out rides or use rideshare services when in Las Vegas may drive while under the influence of alcohol. With impaired reaction times and judgment, tourists who are drunk driving put themselves and others at risk for a severe accident.
Fatigue from Travel
After driving or landing in Las Vegas, tourists are often exhausted, and those who immediately want to experience Vegas may run the risk of fatigued driving, hich
can be as dangerous as drunk driving, with impaired driving having a slower reaction timer and impaired judgment.
Heavy Pedestrian Traffic
In Las Vegas, especially on the strip, the streets can often become congested with pedestrians, creating dangerous and confusing situations for tourist drivers. In addition, 2024 was one of the most deadly years for pedestrians; with there already being 37 pedestrian deaths, tourists must be on high alert for pedestrians,
even in areas where they're unexpected.
Where to Avoid Driving as a Tourist in Las Vegas
If you plan on visiting Las Vegas, you should know a couple of congested and accident-prone roads where it would be best to avoid them.
The Las Vegas Strip (Las Vegas Boulevard)
Being one of the most famous streets in Las Vegas, the Las Vegas Strip is also one of the most congested and confusing streets to drive on, which is why it's best for tourists to avoid driving and stick to using the monorails, rideshare services, or walking.
Downtown Las Vegas
Downtown streets such as Fremont Street can become filled with both vehicle and foot traffic, making it hard for tourists who are unfamiliar with Las Vegas to
navigate the roads, especially during peak hours or events.
Strip Intersections
Major intersections on the Strip, such as Tropicana Avenue and Flamingo Road, can become extremely busy and prone to car accidents.
For this reason, it’s recommended that tourists stay away from these potentially dangerous intersections during peak hours.
Roads Surrounding Harry Reid International Airport
The roads in and surrounding Harry Reid International Airport often become congested with taxis, shuttle buses, and other vehicles. In addition, with drivers merging in and out of drop-off lanes, these roads can be prone to fender-bender accidents.
How to Navigate Las Vegas Without Driving
As a tourist, you should try to drive as little as possible. To do so, you must know the various transportation options available in Las Vegas.
The Las Vegas Monorail
The Las Vegas Monorail is a common and cheap way to get around the Strip. It only costs around $5, and the monorail is fast and bypasses any traffic congestion while taking you to major hotels and casinos.
Rideshare Services
Rideshare services such as Uber and Lyft are commonly used in Las Vegas and are helpful when people want to get to more specific areas. The fare for rideshare depends on the company and length, but typically it ranges from $10 to $20.
Walking
The Las Vegas Strip stretches about 4 miles and is lined with attractions, shops, restaurants, and casinos, making walking a free way to travel and a good way to
get into new adventures.
What to Do If You Were Involved in an Accident as a Tourist
If you were involved in a car accident while visiting Las Vegas, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the injuries and damages you sustained in the
crash. To understand your rights and path to compensation in more detail, it’s highly recommended that you speak with a Las Vegas car accident lawyer.