Las Vegas Accident Statistics

Nevada DOT Urges Wind Caution

Statewide (May 27, 2019) – Many drivers overlook wind as a driving hazard. This is a critical mistake, especially in a state like Nevada, which sometimes has winds exceeding 40 miles per hour. Heavy winds make cars and motorcycles more difficult to control; they’re especially treacherous to those driving trucks and trailers, making larger vehicles even more challenging to maneuver. Strong winds can also introduce hazards onto the road. They can generate sandstorms and dust storms, lowering driver visibility. They can also be strong enough to blow large objects onto the road, which can lead to crashes.

Lerner and Rowe urges motorists to be especially careful while driving through high winds. You are strongly encouraged to slow down to safer speeds, maintain safe following distances, look out for large debris blown onto the road, and be mindful of trees or power lines downed by the wind. Should you and your family suffer injury in an accident that occurred on a day with excessive winds, such as a large truck load unexpectedly moving into your lane of traffic, do not hesitate to contact us. Source: Nevada DOT

Marijuana DUI on the Rise

Las Vegas (April 4, 2019) – Most people associate DUI crimes with the consumption of alcoholic beverages. With the recent legalization of recreational marijuana in Nevada, marijuana-related DUI crimes are on the rise. Public information officer Andrew Bennett from The Nevada Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety said, “I can say confidently that we’re looking at it almost being 50-50 when it comes to marijuana and other drugs compared to alcohol.”

With the recreational marijuana industry in Nevada continuing to grow at a mercurial rate, there are more potential DUI offenders to look out for. Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys hopes you’re doing everything you can to keep you and your family safe while driving in Nevada.

Source: https://www.nevadadot.com/

Automobile Crashes Down From 2018

Statewide (May 31, 2019) – Traffic-related crashes are down 10 percent year over year according to The Nevada Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety. The agency reported 118 crashes from January to May 2018, compared to 106 crashes from January to May 2019.

One reason for the reduction in car accidents is the Nevada DUI Strike Team, a collaboration between the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) and the Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP). The Nevada DUI Strike Team has already stopped more than 500 DUI offenders since October 2018. In many cases, the drivers were halted before they had an opportunity to cause a traffic crash. Source: https://www.nevadadot.com/

Traffic Fatalities Down

Statewide (April 30, 2019) – Traffic-related fatalities are down 15 percent year over year according to The Nevada Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety. The agency reported 84 traffic-related deaths in the first four months of 2019 compared to 99 in the first four months of 2018.

While it’s fantastic news that traffic-related deaths are on the decline, many more can be avoided with safe driving practices. The attorneys at Lerner and Rowe hope you’re doing everything possible to keep your family safe.

Source: https://www.nevadadot.com/

Nevada 24/7 Sobriety and Drug Monitoring Program

Carson City (June 6, 2019) – Nevada Assembly Bill 316 was signed into law by Governor Brian Sandoval. The new law establishes the Nevada 24/7 Sobriety and Drug Monitoring Program. Tested in Washoe County, the program requires repeat DUI offenders to take breathalyzer tests at least twice a day and random drug tests at least twice a week. Failing a test will result in immediate jail time.

Nevada Office of Traffic Safety public information officer Andrew Bennett said, “It’s proven extremely beneficial up in Washoe County with an over 99% success rate with alcohol and a 96% success rate with drugs.” Although the Nevada 24/7 Sobriety and Drug Monitoring Program is voluntary, many Nevada political subdivisions are expected to adopt it across the entire state. If the success in Washoe is any indication, the program should reduce automobile accidents caused by repeat DUI offenders. Source: NELIS

Project Neon HOV Lanes Open

Las Vegas (May 20, 2019) – The Nevada Department of Transportation has opened the Project Neon high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes. The first phase of the state’s HOV plans, Project Neon covers 22 contiguous miles on the US-95 and I-15.

The new HOV lanes can be used 24/7 by automobiles with more than two passengers, motorcycles, RTC busses, and emergency vehicles. Vehicles with one passenger and trucks with more than two axles may not use the HOV lanes. Unlike its neighboring states of Arizona, California, and Utah, Nevada does not grant an HOV usage exception to electric or hybrid cars with single passengers.

Future plans include an increased number of HOV lanes on the US-95, I-15, I-215, and I-515. While HOV lanes can be fantastic for cutting down congestion, they also have the potential for traffic accidents. Please contact Lerner and Rowe if you’re involved in an automobile accident in an HOV lane.

Source: Nevada DOT

Las Vegas DUI Strike Team Makes 500th Arrest

Las Vegas (April 4, 2019) – The Las Vegas DUI Strike Team announced that it has made its 500th arrest. A joint effort between The Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) and the Nevada Highway Patrol (NHP), the Las Vegas DUI Strike Team was formed on October 24, 2018. The collaboration has proven to be an effective deterrent to DUI-related accidents.

DUI accidents and fatalities in the Las Vegas Valley have been a problem and are on the rise. The Nevada Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety believes this is due to “a lack of an alcohol control board and liability laws, 24-hour alcohol access, and the recent legalization of marijuana.” The Las Vegas DUI Strike Team was formed to combat the issue and has proven to be successful.

Source: https://www.reviewjournal.com/