Las Vegas offers plenty of chances to walk down the popular streets, see the sights and enjoy the nightlife. A lot of visitors simply stay downtown, perhaps at the hotels connected to their favorite casinos, so that they never have to drive anywhere. It seems like a relaxed, fun way to get around and really enjoy your stay.
It can be, but it also puts you in danger. Pedestrian accidents are a real risk that you need to be aware of. To help, here are some key facts from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
- Night is the most dangerous time for pedestrians, in part because of reduced visibility — a driver may never see a pedestrian at all — and because of the increased odds of drunk driving.
- Many fatal accidents happen at locations without intersections. The best thing you can do to stay safe is to always cross at a light-controlled intersection with a crosswalk.
- Urban areas see far more fatal accidents than rural areas. This means that, while you can get injured anywhere in Nevada, specifically traveling to Vegas increases the odds.
- The odds of getting hit go up the faster a car is traveling. Speeding drivers do not have as much time to react. Additionally, you could think you have time to cross the road in front of a car, not realizing that the driver is breaking the speed limit and you don’t have as much time as you should.
- The severity of injuries — and the odds of death — also go up when cars are going faster. Any impact can be deadly, but it’s more likely at 45 miles per hour than at 15 miles per hour.
- About 20% of pedestrians who die from their injuries are at least 65 years old, showing that elderly individuals face greater risks than young people. If you fall into that age bracket, you need to be wary.
- Alcohol is a big factor, influencing nearly half of all deadly pedestrian crashes (48%). That statistic does include pedestrian alcohol use, but still shows the risks you face from drunk drivers — especially in a city like Vegas, which is built around the nightlife.
If you get injured in a pedestrian accident, or if a loved one dies, it could come with serious financial ramifications. These may include funeral costs, medical bills, lost wages, lost future income, and much more.
At a time like this, it is very important for you to know all of the options that you have. You may be able to seek substantial compensation.
