Study Finds Link Between Risk-Taking Behaviors and Nevada Car Accidents

A proposed state law aims to crack down on reckless driving

A recent study on traffic safety conducted by the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) has revealed a correlation between risky driving behavior and the high incidence of car accidents in Nevada. These accidents often result in severe injuries and fatalities, which have been a cause of concern for the state.

In an interview with 8 News Now, Dr. Deborah Kuhls, a trauma critical care surgeon at UMC and assistant dean of research at the Kekorian School of Medicine at UNLV, viewed the study's findings as a window of opportunity for the state to intervene. She stressed that preventive measures aimed at curbing these dangerous driving behaviors could significantly reduce the number of fatalities and save countless lives.

At Lasso Injury Law, we welcome efforts to reduce serious and fatal crashes in Nevada. Through our work with injury victims and their families in Las Vegas, we have witnessed the devastating impact that crashes can have on people. That's why we are committed to helping our clients recover the compensation they deserve to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other related damages.

UNLV study reveals a connection between car accidents and risk-taking

According to 8 News Now, the recent UNLV study analyzed a decade's worth of car accident and injury data for Nevada, along with three years' worth of statewide traffic citation information. The study discovered a direct correlation between risky driving behaviors and car accidents in the state. High-risk driving behaviors cited in the study include:

• Speeding (52 percent of traffic citations in Nevada involve speeding, with 34 percent for speeding over the state's 80 mph speed limit)
• Distracted driving (5 percent of traffic citations in Nevada)
• Running a red light (32 percent of traffic fatalities involve not stopping for a red light)

The study found that more than half of the car accidents caused by risky drivers occurred in the Las Vegas Valley, while Washoe County saw the second-highest number of such accidents.

As a result of these findings, Dr. Kuhls believes that preventive measures are urgently required to reduce the number of accidents caused by high-risk driving behaviors. This would significantly improve traffic safety in Nevada and potentially save many lives, Kuhls said.

Efforts to prevent crashes in Nevada

The UNLV traffic safety study has the potential to rally support for Nevada Senate Bill 322, which aims to crack down on reckless and negligent drivers. The proposed law would increase penalties for reckless driving resulting in serious injuries or fatalities, with a maximum prison term of 10 years for drivers traveling below 50 mph and 20 years for those traveling over 50 mph.

April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and like many other states, Nevada is taking part in a nationwide campaign to educate drivers about the dangers of distracted driving, particularly texting while driving and using a cell phone while driving. In addition, the program seeks to raise awareness about the risks associated with such behavior, which can lead to accidents resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.

In line with other states, Nevada has laws prohibiting texting while driving and using a hand-held cell phone while driving. Violators can face a $50 fine for a first offense, $100 for a second offense within seven years, and $250 for a third offense within three years, according to the Nevada Department of Transportation.

Contact an experienced Las Vegas, NV car accident lawyer today

After a car accident caused by another driver's negligence or wrongdoing, you may believe you don't need a lawyer to recover the compensation you're entitled to. However, the truth is that personal injury claims and lawsuits can quickly become complicated legal cases. That's why it is essential to have an experienced attorney on your side who knows the law and can aggressively advocate for your best interests throughout the process.

At Lasso Injury Law, we can explain your potential legal options, investigate what happened, build a strong legal case, and advocate for the financial compensation you deserve.

Schedule a free consultation with our law firm to learn more about how a Las Vegas car accident attorney can assist you. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no fees unless we win. You can visit our Las Vegas office on West Park Run Drive to make an appointment or contact us online. Our dedicated legal team has helped many accident victims obtain the compensation they deserve, and we are ready to do the same for you.