In many parts of the United States, fatal car accidents are rising. While manufacturers have rolled out technological advances that make driving safer, habits that contribute to unsafe roads have increased.
Many habits have made Nevada roads more dangerous, from texting and driving to speeding. Nevada’s most recent annual crash data indicates an increase in fatal accidents.
If your loved one was involved in a fatal car accident in Las Vegas, Henderson, or the surrounding areas, contact Oronoz & Ericsson at 702-878-2889 or use our online contact form to reach out.
Total Amount of Fatal Crashes in 2020
Per the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 293 fatal traffic accidents in Nevada in 2020. This indicates a steady increase in fatal crashes over the past decade. Nevada had 235 fatal accidents in 2010, and rates rose steadily through 2020.
Contributing Factors in Fatal Accidents
Looking at car crash statistics in Nevada, certain risk factors are associated with significantly higher accident rates. Many fatal accidents occurred in urban settings, with only 31% of the deadly crashes in 2019 occurring in rural regions.
Seatbelt use is correlated with a higher survival rate in serious crashes. Estimates indicate that approximately 41% of those who died in Nevada crashes in 2020 wore seatbelts. Experts believe over 2,500 lives could have been saved across the United States if 100% of passengers and drivers wore seatbelts in 2017. Data is not yet available for more recent years.
Over half of Nevada’s fatal crashes were single-vehicle accidents. Nearly one-third of fatal accidents involved speeding.
Clark County Accidents
While Nevada’s car crash statistics are alarming on their own, the situation is even worse when you compare Clark County to the rest of the state. From 2015 to 2019, Clark County accidents accounted for 66% of all fatal crashes in Nevada. The next county on the list, Washoe County, accounted for just 13% of all fatal crashes, indicating the severity of the issue in Clark County.
Analysis of crashes by county indicates that Clark County has the biggest issue with impaired driving. While Clark County had 388 fatal car accidents caused by impaired driving from 2015 to 2019, every other county had 90 or fewer in that time.
Pedestrian fatalities have also been on the rise in Clark County. There were 32 pedestrian deaths in Clark County in 2021, while almost every other Nevada county had zero pedestrian deaths.
Current Trends
While these statistics paint a stark picture of Clark County roadways, statewide initiatives are trying to reverse these frightening trends. Although official full-year data is not yet available for 2022, Zero Fatalities Nevada releases a monthly report on fatal accidents in Nevada.
Preliminary data indicates an 18% increase in Clark County fatal accidents between 2021 and 2022. As of June 2022, car crash fatalities in Nevada are already up nearly 2%, with a current total of 187 fatalities.
Hopefully, public education and safety initiatives will positively impact accident rates throughout the 2020s and beyond.
Know Your Options After a Fatal Car Crash in Nevada
If someone you love is killed in a car accident, you and your family members may be entitled to compensation. While money cannot make things right after the loss of a loved one, it can help surviving family members cover costs associated with the accident and prepare for the next stage of their lives.
It’s essential to consult a personal injury attorney who can aggressively pursue damages from the responsible party while protecting the rights and privacy of the grieving family. Learn more about your options and contact the attorneys of Oronoz & Ericsson Injury Lawyers today. Fill out the online contact form or call us at 702-878-2889.