Driving safely in Nevada is not always easy. You have to contend with high-speed highways, busy city streets, and distracted drivers. It doesn’t matter whether you are trying to make your way down the Strip or cruising down a desert road; hazards are everywhere.
Nevada has 12.2 deaths per 100,000 residents when it comes to car accidents. This alone should make you rethink your road safety strategies.
It is important to consider several factors when you are on the road. This includes defensive driving and understanding traffic laws and signals. You must always stay aware of all the potential risks to reduce the risk of being in an accident.
Nevada’s Road Conditions
There are both urban and rural areas in Nevada. This means there are safe and less safe roads. Las Vegas and Reno, in particular, also have very high traffic volumes. Because of the congestion, the likelihood of accidents increases.
Rural areas have their risks, too. Roads like U.S. Route 50, the Loneliest Road in America, often invite high speeds. If drivers crash here, it becomes a problem to get emergency services to the scene fast enough because of how remote it is.
Weather and Road Safety
The weather also plays a role in road safety in the state. While Nevada is mostly hot and dry, the occasional northern winter storms can cause havoc. The area also gets dust storms, which can reduce visibility while driving.
It is advised that all drivers check the weather before traveling. If you encounter dangerous weather conditions, adjust your speed or stop and wait it out.
Nevada’s Traffic Laws
Speeding is a major problem in Nevada. The state enforces strict limits, but this does not stop drivers from going too fast. Generally, you cannot go above 30 mph in urban areas or above 65 mph on the highway. If you are driving in a school zone, you cannot go faster than 25 mph during school hours.
Police in Nevada use several measures to catch traffic law violators. So, if you stick to the speed limit, you will avoid an accident and a fine.
Seat Belt Laws
Staying safe on the road is not only about keeping to the speed limit. It also means wearing a seat belt at all times. Nevada enforces primary seat belt laws, which means you can be stopped for not wearing one.
Additionally, if you have a child under 2 years old, they must be secured in a rear-facing car seat (there are exceptions to this). Children under six and weight less than 60 pounds should use a booster or car seat. Older children, adults, drivers, and passengers must wear seat belts.
It has been proven that wearing a seat belt can reduce the risk of fatal injury in an accident by 45%.
DUI and Distracted Driving Laws
Drivers who take to the roads under the influence are another big problem in the state. The legal blood alcohol content limit here is 0.08% for drivers over 21. If you are a first-time offender, you will likely get a fine and your license suspended. You may also have to attend a mandatory DUI education program.
Nevada is also struggling to curb distracted driving. Far too many drivers still think it is okay to text and drive. You can use a hands-free device in Nevada, but holding your phone while driving is illegal. It will result in fines and points on your license.
Defensive Driving Techniques
One of the best ways to stay safe on the roads is to add defensive driving to the above. You should not speed or drive while distracted or under the influence. Additionally, you must drive defensively.
Defensive driving means staying aware of your surroundings and looking for potential hazards. It also means steering clear of aggressive drivers. Do not engage with drivers who want to speed past you or weave through the traffic. If you do this, you may start a fight, ending in road rage.
When you are on the road, focus on your driving and safety. If another driver wants to start a fight out of road rage, stay calm and do not retaliate. If the driver will not back off, keep driving until you reach a police station.
- Keeping a safe following distance. Tailgating and brake checking are real, everyday hazards. If you keep to the three-second distance rule, it will help you avoid these hazards.
- Signaling and blind spots. You may have 30 years or three years of driving experience. Either way, you cannot ignore the importance of proper signaling and checking your blind spots.
Some drivers get so used to changing lanes and merging on the highway that they do it without thinking or signaling. This is especially dangerous if you have a larger car because you will miss smaller vehicles and motorcycles.
Always use your turn signal at least 100 feet before changing lanes or turning. Also, never forget to check your blind spots.
Staying Safe While Driving at Night
If you frequently drive at night, you will have noticed that visibility is poorer on some roads compared to others. To avoid problems, always lower your speed when driving in the dark, and use your headlights on roads without oncoming traffic. Stay vigilant for unexpected pedestrians, wildlife, and impaired drivers.
Never drive if you are tired. Doing this is as risky as driving drunk. If you feel tired, ask someone else to take over. If you are alone, pull over at a safe rest stop.
Drowsy driving causes more than 100,000 accidents in the U.S. annually, so don’t take your chances.
Maintaining Your Vehicle
It is crucial to keep your car roadworthy so you don’t break down in the middle of nowhere. You must regularly check your brakes, lights, signals, tire pressure, and fluids to ensure your car keeps going.
Also, keep an emergency kit in your trunk. The kit should contain a first-aid box, jumper cables, a flashlight, extra batteries, and reflectors.
You could also add a blanket in case your car breaks down during winter.
Safety on Nevada Roads Requires Awareness
You must always be aware of your surroundings and other drivers while on the road. Do not be tempted to exceed speed limits, and avoid all distractions. If you can keep to these rules and are mindful of other road users, you can help make Nevada’s roads safer for everyone.
