Motor vehicle accident risk fluctuates throughout the day, and there are times when accidents are more prone to occur. Drivers can reduce their risk by changing their schedules and avoiding travel during these times. This won’t eliminate the risk, but it does help mitigate it.
The Busiest Times of Day on Las Vegas Roads
The streets of Las Vegas are busiest between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. In particular, I-215 becomes particularly busy between 7:30 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. when many locals head into their jobs, and between 4:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. when it is time for them to go home. This is a similar pattern to other large metropolitan areas.
The Most Dangerous Routes
I-15 is another dangerous route in Las Vegas. It averages three accidents per day. While the route makes it convenient to get around the city, that convenience comes at a cost. Traffic through this route is growing at a rapid clip and it’s expected to double in just 15 years.
Tourist areas such as the Las Vegas strip are almost always busy, but they become increasingly congested around 4 p.m. when many tourists head out and explore the sights of the city. The areas around tourist sites are frequently the site of pedestrian accidents. Motorists who travel these routes should stay alert for cyclists, pedestrians, and scooters. Drivers should also exercise caution around vehicles with out of state license plates. These drivers could inadvertently cause an accident while looking at maps as they navigate unfamiliar roadways.
This is particularly noticeable around Fremont Street. The “Old Las Vegas Strip” is a popular tourist destination, but the bright lights, cheap drinks, and party atmosphere also mean it’s an area where pedestrians lose themselves in the glitz and glamour of the Las Vegas of yesteryear.
Charleston Boulevard and Lamb Boulevard have the distinction of being the most dangerous intersection in the city. This intersection is infamous for distracted driving accidents. Another road intersection to avoid is Sahara Avenue and Rainbow Boulevard.
Ultimately, drivers can’t eliminate accident risk. However, it can be mitigated by avoiding these roads and adjusting the driving schedule so that drivers aren’t on the road when most accidents occur. These are simple steps, but they can make a big difference in ensuring a Las Vegas commute doesn’t turn into a trip to the emergency room.
