Las Vegas Accident Statistics

Flash Floods Cause Accidents, Property Damage, and Death

Clark County (August 1, 2019) – It’s currently monsoon season in Nevada, and with it comes the occasional flash flood. While it’s obvious that flash floods can cause property damage and traffic accidents, many people are unaware of how lethal they can be. According to government officials, 18 people have died in Clark County due to flash floods since 1982.

While numerous infrastructure improvements have decreased the risk of flash flood fatalities, the attorneys at Lerner and Rowe urge you to exercise caution while driving during a flash flood. If possible, delay your trip until the storm has subsided. If you or a family member are injured during a Nevada flash flood due to negligence or another person’s reckless actions, contact Lerner and Rowe immediately. Source: Clark County

Drivers Impaired by Multiple Substances are the Most Dangerous

Statewide (July 22, 2019) – The Nevada Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) has released statistics on substance-related fatalities in 2018. Drivers impaired by multiple substances (alcohol and drugs, for example) were, by far, involved in more fatalities than those intoxicated by a single substance. Of the 184 traffic fatalities in 2018, 101 of them were caused by drivers impaired by multiple substances.

The attorneys at Lerner and Rowe hope that you and your family are safe from drivers intoxicated by any substance, let alone multiple ones. If you and your loved ones have been injured by an impaired driver then please contact us immediately. Source: OTS

Traffic Crashes Expected to Rise During Summer

Statewide (June 21, 2019) – Clark County Commissioner Michael Naft recently urged motorists in Nevada to be extra cautious now that summer has started. Traffic accidents typically rise in Nevada during the summer months according to data from the Nevada Department of Transportation (NVDOT). There are several reasons for this: more tourists, more motorcycle and bicycle riders, and more pedestrians. While many people enjoy staying outside during hot Nevada summers, more people means more opportunities for personal injury.

The attorneys at Lerner and Rowe encourage you to be especially cautious while driving in Nevada during the summer. Follow NVDOT’s summer driving safety tips. Should you and your family be involved in a traffic accident, please contact us immediately so that we may assist you. Souce: The Nevada Independent

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/

DUI Fatalities Up in 2018

Statewide (August 9, 2019) – The Nevada State Office of Traffic Safety has released its cumulative numbers for DUI fatalities in 2018. Overall fatalities were up nearly 9 percent, with 184 DUI-related deaths in 2018 versus 169 in 2017. Alcohol and marijuana DUI fatalities were down from the previous year by 17 percent and 25 percent, respectively. However, “other drug” (not alcohol or marijuana) and polysubstance (more than one drug) fatalities rose in 2018 by 50 percent and 35 percent, respectively.

The attorneys at Lerner and Rowe strenuously urge you to never drive while under the influence of any substance. It puts your life and the lives of other drivers in serious jeopardy. If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident because of a driver that was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, please contact us immediately. Source: OTS

Nevada Traffic Fatalities Continue to Decline

Statewide (July 5, 2019) – The Nevada Department of Transportation has reported that there were 16 traffic-related fatalities in June 2019. That’s a 48 percent decrease from June 2018, which had 31 traffic deaths. Overall fatalities are down 23 percent, with 125 traffic deaths in the first half of 2019, compared to 162 in the first half of 2018.

The attorneys at Lerner and Rowe are ecstatic that Nevada has been a safer place to drive in 2019. Everyone on the team would love to see the numbers hit zero. Please be aware of the particular dangers of summer driving and do everything in your power to keep your family safe on the road. Source: Nevada DOT

Pediatric Vehicular Heatstroke Death on the Rise

Statewide (June 27, 2019) – Summer is a glorious time of the year for children, but it can also be a dangerous one. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 52 children died of pediatric vehicular heatstroke in 2018 – the most in 20 years. NoHeatstroke.org reported 13 pediatric vehicular heatstroke deaths in Nevada between 1998 and 2018. The deaths occurred because children were left unattended in a car or they made their way into an unlocked vehicle.

The attorneys at Lerner and Rowe urge you to be especially cautious during the summer. Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle. Make sure to lock your car so that children can’t accidentally get inside of it. Also, place your purse or a teddy bear in the front seat when running errands with a child to help remember they are in the car with you. Please follow Nevada’s Good Samaritan Law procedures if you notice an unattended child suffering in a hot car. Source: NHTSA

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/

New Fees for Parking in Electric Vehicle Spots

Statewide (August 15, 2019) – Governor Steve Sisolak has signed Senate Bill 428, which establishes new fines for vehicles parking in spots designated for electric vehicle (EV) charging. The fees apply to any vehicle that isn’t charging while parked in an EV parking spot. First-time offenders will be fined $100, with repeat offenses escalating up to $750.

Lerner and Rowe encourages you to leave EV-designated parking spaces clear if you have no intention of charging your car. While it might be convenient for you to park in an EV space in a crowded lot or a busy area, it’s not worth the fee and the possibility of inconveniencing a fellow driver that may desperately need a charge. Furthermore, parking lot conflicts are common and may lead to a skirmish that results in personal injury. If you find yourself in such a situation, please contact Lerner and Rowe at your earliest convenience. Source: Nevada Senate

Las Vegas Grasshopper Invasion Seen on Weather Radars

Las Vegas, NV (July 30, 2019) – An atypically wet winter followed by a mild spring has led to a surge in the Las Vegas grasshopper population. Now that the insects are mature, abnormally large swarms of them can be found throughout the Las Vegas Valley. The grasshopper invasion has been so severe that it has been picked up by the National Weather Service’s (NWS) radar system.

Las Vegas grasshopper swarms have happened in the past, but it has been several years since the last notable one, and the current swarms are unusually intense. While some see it as a biblical sign, the swarms are mostly harmless; grasshoppers do not attack humans and do not carry any diseases. However, Las Vegas grasshopper swarms may affect motorist visibility. If you’ve been injured in an accident during the latest Las Vegas grasshopper phenomenon, please contact Lerner and Rowe immediately. Source: NWS

California Earthquakes Felt in Las Vegas

Las Vegas (July 6, 2019) – A pair of California earthquakes and their aftershocks were felt by Nevada residents on July 4 and July 5. The July 4 earthquake’s epicenter was in Searles Valley, CA and measured 6.4 on the Richter magnitude scale. The July 5 quake’s epicenter was near Ridgecrest, CA and measured 7.1. Tremors from both earthquakes were felt as far as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. These were the strongest earthquakes to hit California in 20 years.

Thankfully, no earthquake-related deaths have been reported. However, numerous injuries and extensive property damages were suffered, particularly in Ridgecrest. The attorneys at Lerner and Rowe urge you to learn about earthquake safety protocols. While California is infamous for earthquakes, many Nevada residents are unaware that seven major fault lines pass through the Las Vegas Valley. Potent earthquakes can lead to automobile and slip-and-fall accidents. The lawyers at Lerner and Rowe want you to be prepared and be safe. Source: USGS

NV Energy Commits to Three Solar Projects

Las Vegas (June 24, 2019) – NV Energy has announced that it will purchase electricity from three upcoming solar projects — EDF Renewables’ Arrow Canyon Solar Project, 8minute Solar Energy’s Southern Bighorn Solar & Storage Center, and Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners’ Gemini Solar + Battery Storage Project. The three projects have a combined generation capacity of 1.2-gigawatts and a battery-storage capacity of 590 megawatts. The three solar facilities are expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

Although the three solar energy facilities are located in the desert areas outside of Las Vegas, they are still massive construction projects. As with any large construction project, the chances of a car accident or motorcycle accident near these sites are higher. The attorneys at Lerner and Rowe urge you to exercise caution when traveling near these construction sites. Source: NV Energy

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/