Las Vegas is famous for its dazzling casinos and busy streets. But sometimes, the biggest dangers aren’t at the poker tables. They are right outside, on the roads we drive every day. If you have been hurt in a crash at one of these risky spots, you need the right help. Our local law firm, Friedman Injury Law, is here to fight for you. We know what it takes to protect your rights after an accident. If you’ve been seriously hurt, you may need a skilled Las Vegas car accident lawyer on your side. We understand the specific risks of driving in Clark County and what makes certain intersections so dangerous.
Understanding the Big Picture of Las Vegas Road Danger
When you look at the city, it’s easy to see why car accidents happen so often. Las Vegas is always bustling with both residents and millions of tourists. This huge amount of traffic, especially around the major roadways, creates a lot of opportunities for mistakes and collisions.
The numbers tell a serious story about the dangers on Nevada roads. Last year, the state saw 331 fatalities on its roads. That is the highest number of traffic deaths in a decade, showing that the dangers are getting worse, not better. We also know that many of these crashes result in serious injuries, changing people’s lives forever.
Why Are Our Intersections Accident Hot Spots?
Intersections are naturally complicated, with cars moving in four different directions, plus turning traffic and pedestrians. In Las Vegas, several key factors turn these spots into true accident hot zones:
- High Speed Limits: Many of the main roads that pass through these intersections have high speed limits. When crashes happen at faster speeds, the damage is much more severe. High speeds also give drivers less time to react and avoid a crash when something unexpected happens.
- Massive Traffic Volume: The sheer number of cars, trucks, and other vehicles traveling through the city at any given moment creates constant congestion. More cars mean more chances for a collision.
- Pedestrians Crossing: Las Vegas has a large concentration of pedestrians, especially near the Strip and major commercial areas. When people are walking, they must share the space with fast-moving traffic. This leads to many serious pedestrian accidents, particularly when people jaywalk or when drivers fail to see them.
- Running Red Lights: This is one of the most alarming factors. Las Vegas drivers have a bad reputation for trying to beat the light. Research from the American Automobile Association showed that between 2008 and 2017, there was a 60 percent increase in the number of fatal auto accidents in Nevada caused by a driver running a red light. This one risky decision can cause devastating accidents with catastrophic results.
The 10 Most Dangerous Intersections in Las Vegas
We have reviewed data from official sources, including the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) and research from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), to pinpoint the locations where accidents happen most often. These places require maximum caution.
Here are the top 10 most dangerous intersections in the Las Vegas valley, based on high accident rates:
1. Sahara Avenue and Decatur Boulevard
This intersection is often called the single most dangerous in the area. According to NDOT data, it was the site of 91 accidents in a single year (2019). These crashes resulted in 30 injuries and 1 death. It is shocking to know that this intersection saw a 120% increase in accidents from 2013 to 2019, making it a growing problem. UNLV researchers also identified this spot as the most accident-prone, reporting over 50 crashes with injuries in 2018 alone. This intersection remains the number one most dangerous spot as of 2024.
2. Flamingo Road and Rainbow Boulevard
This intersection is the second most dangerous. In 2019, 85 accidents were reported here, leading to 21 injuries and 1 death. The number of crashes at this spot increased by 47% from 2013 to 2019.
3. Tropicana Avenue and Rainbow Boulevard
Another high-risk area is Tropicana and Rainbow Boulevard. It saw 72 accidents in 2019. These crashes caused 22 injuries and 1 death. Over the six-year period from 2013 to 2019, accidents here jumped by 91%.
4. Sahara Avenue and Valley View Boulevard
This intersection is located close to the heart of the city and is consistently dangerous. There were 70 accidents in 2019, resulting in 24 injuries and 1 death. It has a high rate of increase, with crashes rising by 92% between 2013 and 2019.
5. Charleston Boulevard and Rainbow Boulevard
This large, fast intersection is regularly the scene of serious accidents. UNLV research noted that many people run red lights at this spot, which has more than eight lanes on each boulevard. The area had 62 accidents in 2019, causing 14 injuries and no fatalities. The number of accidents increased by 54% from 2013 to 2019.
6. Flamingo Road and Decatur Boulevard
Located in a busy area, this intersection saw 57 accidents in 2019, which led to 16 injuries and no fatalities. It experienced a 33% increase in crashes over the six years leading up to 2019.
7. Tropicana Avenue and Decatur Boulevard
This spot is another high-volume intersection with a history of crashes. It had 54 accidents in 2019, resulting in 15 injuries and no fatalities. From 2013 to 2019, accidents here rose by 62%.
8. Sahara Avenue and Maryland Parkway
This intersection saw 53 accidents in 2019, causing 19 injuries and no fatalities. While it is lower on the list, it still had a significant increase in crashes, rising by 23% between 2013 and 2019.
9. Charleston Boulevard and Decatur Boulevard
This intersection had 50 accidents in 2019, leading to 14 injuries and no fatalities. The crash rate here increased by 44% from 2013 to 2019.
10. Spring Mountain Road and Rainbow Boulevard
Rounding out the list is this intersection, which had 50 accidents in 2019, resulting in 15 injuries and no fatalities. This location showed a huge percentage increase in crashes, rising by 100% over the period from 2013 to 2019.
Other Intersections That Demand Extra Caution
Beyond the top ten list, there are other locations that have been noted for being especially risky:
- Flamingo Road and Pecos Road: This is a big intersection near Paradise, NV. Crashes here are often serious, and it sees at least one motor accident fatality almost every year.
- Boulder Highway and Nellis Boulevard: The complex way Boulder Highway and Nellis Boulevard connect causes confusion for many drivers. Boulder Highway has also been known for serious pedestrian risks, though lighting and crosswalks have been improved. Still, the intersection with Nellis Boulevard is a messy area where drivers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians frequently collide.
- I-215 and I-15: This is a freeway connector named one of the most dangerous in early 2019 by the Nevada Department of Public Safety. The curve here is sharp, and many people take it too fast, especially with the heavy volume of freeway traffic passing through to California, Utah, or Arizona.
How to Drive Defensively to Avoid Accidents
While we can’t control how other people drive, we can control our own behavior to reduce the risk of an accident. Following these defensive driving tips is the best way to protect yourself and your family:
- Practice Defensive Driving: Always be aware of the cars around you. Constantly scan the road and surroundings. You need to plan for the unexpected actions of other drivers.
- Check Before Entering Intersections: Look both ways to make sure no cars are speeding or running a red light. This is very important right after your light turns green. Instead of speeding up right away, crawl slowly into the intersection before pressing the gas.
- Slow Down: When you are going slower, you have more control over your car. You will have a better chance of stopping or steering away from a problem. Keep up with the flow of traffic but always be cautious.
- Don’t Run Red Lights: Avoid the urge to rush and run the light, especially when turning left. Beating the light is never worth the cost of a car accident, a severe injury, or worse.
- Put Your Phone Down: Many accidents happen because drivers use stoplights as a chance to check their phones or write texts. Distraction is a huge danger. Keep your eyes focused on the road and the cars around you.
- Give the Car in Front of You Some Space: Tailgating is dangerous because if the car ahead stops quickly, you will hit them. Also, if the car behind you rear-ends you, you could be pushed into the car in front. You should try to keep at least one car length between you and the vehicle ahead.
- Turn Down Your Music: Being aware of your surroundings means using your ears, too. If the radio is too loud, you might not hear a car horn or the siren of an emergency vehicle entering the intersection.
- Buckle Up: Sometimes accidents cannot be avoided. But you can prevent severe injury or death by making sure everyone in your car is properly buckled. This is the simplest and most effective way to protect yourself in a crash.
Our Commitment to Accident Victims
Despite your best efforts to drive carefully, you cannot control the actions of every driver on the road. When someone else’s negligence causes you harm, you deserve justice and financial compensation.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident at any of these dangerous Las Vegas intersections, our firm is ready to help. At Friedman Injury Law, we have the experience and knowledge to handle complex accident claims. We work diligently to hold the person responsible for your injury accountable for their actions.
Contact Friedman Injury Law today for a free consultation. We can begin working on your case immediately. Call us at (702) 970-4222 to learn how we can help you get the benefits and compensation you need to get your life back on track.
