158th Traffic Fatality Highlights Las Vegas' Road Safety Concerns

On a cool Monday evening in Las Vegas, a life was suddenly and tragically cut short. A 32-year-old man was crossing the street in a marked crosswalk, an everyday act that should have been safe. But in a split second, his life ended when a speeding driver hit and killed him. That man wasn’t just another statistic. He was someone’s son, friend, maybe even a father. His story is now one of many that reveal a troubling reality: Las Vegas streets have become increasingly dangerous, especially for pedestrians.

At 7:52 p.m., a 2007 GMC Sierra sped northbound near Elm Avenue. Witnesses could only watch in horror as the truck hit a pedestrian in a marked crosswalk. First responders rushed the victim to University Medical Center, but it was too late. His injuries were too severe.

The driver of the GMC Sierra stayed at the scene, and while police confirmed he wasn’t under the influence, his excessive speed led to charges of reckless driving. He's now facing legal consequences, but his actions have forever altered two families' lives: his own and the family grieving the loss of their loved one. This death marked the 158th traffic-related fatality in Las Vegas in 2024. Each of these numbers represents a person with dreams, loved ones, and a future stolen.

How many Las Vegas traffic fatalities were there in 2024?

As Las Vegas traffic fatalities increase for the fourth year in a row, the numbers paint a grim picture of road safety in Las Vegas. Pedestrians often bear the brunt of careless or reckless driving. And without the protection of a vehicle frame, seatbelt, or airbag, they're at a heightened risk of sustaining severe and fatal injuries. The latest available statistics for 2024 were alarming:

• 18,233 total collisions
• 11,432 collisions involving injuries
• 134 fatal crashes
• 82 pedestrian-involved collisions
• 62 pedestrian deaths
• 55 fatal DUI crashes
• 30 hit-and-run fatalities

Why Are Las Vegas Roads So Dangerous?

Three main behaviors contribute to the rising fatalities: impaired driving, speeding, and distracted driving. Each is entirely preventable yet continues to claim lives.

Impaired driving

Drinking and driving has long been a deadly mix. Historical data shows that in Clark County, impaired drivers caused nearly half of fatal crashes between 2017 and 2021. Nationally, drunk driving killed 13,524 people in 2022. This accounts for one death every 39 minutes.

But it’s not just the drivers who are heavily intoxicated. Even a slight buzz can impair judgment and reaction time. In 2022, over 2,300 people died in crashes where the driver had a BAC as low as .01 to .07. Impairment dulls decision-making, slows reflexes, and turns vehicles into deadly weapons. One careless decision to drink and drive can destroy lives.

Speeding

Speeding is more than a traffic violation; it’s a gamble with human lives. Las Vegas saw a staggering 160% increase in speeding-related fatalities in 2024. Nationally, speeding killed over 12,000 people in 2022. The faster a car moves, the less time a driver has to react. Higher speeds reduce a driver’s ability to avoid obstacles and worsen the impact of a crash. The results are often catastrophic for pedestrians, bicyclists, and other drivers.

Distracted driving

Driving demands full focus. Yet, in today’s world, distractions are everywhere. In 2022, distracted driving led to 3,308 traffic fatalities nationwide. Texting while driving remains one of the deadliest distractions. Taking your eyes off the road for just five seconds at 55 mph is like driving blind across a football field. Distractions, no matter how small, can turn an ordinary drive into a nightmare.

What can drivers do to prevent pedestrian fatalities?

In 2022, 7,522 pedestrians died in traffic crashes across the U.S.—that’s one person killed every 70 minutes. In Las Vegas, crosswalks and sidewalks should offer safety, but they often don't. Drivers must take extra care to protect pedestrians:

• Slow down near crosswalks and intersections.
• Never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.
• Watch for pedestrians in low-visibility conditions.
• Always yield to pedestrians.
• Stay sober and distraction-free behind the wheel.

How a Las Vegas pedestrian accident lawyer can help

If you or someone you love has been hit by a car and injured in a pedestrian accident in Las Vegas, you’re likely feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do next. The legal team at Lasso Injury Law, LLC has seen how life can change in an instant after a serious pedestrian accident.

The pain, medical bills, and uncertainty about the future can be overwhelming. That's why we're committed to helping people in situations like yours. We know how to stand up to negligent drivers and push back when insurance companies try to downplay or deny claims.

We also work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay us a dime unless we win your case. No upfront fees, no hidden costs. We handle every expense involved in building your case because we believe money should never be a barrier to getting the justice you deserve.

Our goal is to maximize your compensation and help you rebuild your life. To get started, contact us online or call our Las Vegas law office today to schedule a free consultation. We can also meet you wherever you feel most comfortable, whether it’s our office, your home, or your hospital room. 

"... you never know when disaster might happen, and it's great to know that you have good people like Lasso Injury Law in your corner." - S.F., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐