Despite regular triple-digit temperatures, summer still results in millions of people from all over the country and the world traveling to Las Vegas. The summer months also coincide with the “100 deadliest days of the year” on U.S. roads.
They’re called that because the number of fatal crashes rises during these months – especially for teens. It’s been estimated that the teen fatality rate is 43% higher during this time than it is the rest of the year.
What’s going on during this period?
The time between Memorial Day and Labor Day, which includes July 4th, covers three of the biggest drinking holidays of the year in the country, according to the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA). Among the other factors that make these the “deadliest days” of the year are the following:
- More people are on the road – often in unfamiliar places – traveling on vacation. Many of them may be tired from trying to “power through” to their destination or distracted by trying to drive and sightsee or look at their GPS map.
- Teens are out of school, so there are more inexperienced drivers on the road. About 15% of fatal crashes involve drivers between 16 and 20, according to NHTSA.
- More pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists are on the roads.
The overwhelming heat can also be a factor in this area. It can wear down people and their vehicles.
Impaired driving and speeding are always a problem
Of course, Las Vegas has a problem with impaired driving all year long, with easy access to free alcohol in many casinos. According to the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, Transportation Research Center, 60% of crashes throughout the state are caused by drunk and/or drugged driving.
Speeding is also one of the leading causes of fatal crashes. A third of deadly crashes on our state’s roads last year involved at least one speeding driver. Of course, impairment and speeding often go hand-in-hand.
If you live and/or work in and around Las Vegas, it’s critical to stay extra vigilant during this upcoming period to avoid preventable harm. While you can’t control other people’s behavior on the road, just staying alert and allowing a little extra time to get to your destination can help you avoid unsafe drivers. If you or a loved one does suffer injuries caused by an at-fault driver, remember that you have the right to seek fair compensation to cover your expenses and other damages.