With thousands of accidents happening each week across the country, the state of Nevada is no exception to the dangers of the roadway. Nevada drivers experience thousands of accidents and hundreds of fatalities, annually. In 2021 alone, Nevada saw a spike in accidents compared to both 2019 and 2020. Below are 10 shocking statistics about car accidents in Nevada that may surprise you.
Car Accident Stats in Nevada
Approximatly 1 million licensed drivers reside in the state of Nevada. With that many drivers on the road, accidents are bound to happen. Here are the top 10 statistics from Zero Fatalities Nevada that you should know:
#1. Impaired Driving
Impaired driving is the #1 cause of car accidents, injuries, and fatalities in the state of Nevada. In 47% of all traffic fatalities in Nevada, it is the main or underlying cause. Distracted driving includes:
- The use of a cell phone in any form
- Eating/drinking
- Fiddling with the radio or navigation system
- Anything that takes the driver’s attention away from the task at hand.
#2. Distracted Driving Fatalities
In a four-year stretch from 2014-2018, 745 people were killed on Nevada roads due to impaired driving.
#3. Motorcycle Accidents
- Between 2014-2018, 305 people were killed in motorcycle accidents on Nevada’s roads.
- In 2018 alone, 59 riders were killed while riding their motorcycle.
- Motorcyclists are 28% more likely to die in an accident than a driver of a car.
#4. Seatbelt Usage
Failure to wear a seatbelt has also played a role in Nevada roadway fatalities. Between 2014 and 2018, there were 354 unbelted occupant fatalities. Wearing a seatbelt is the most effective way to protect yourself in the event of a car accident, and it only takes a few seconds to buckle up.
#5. Intersection-Related Accidents
Intersections are one of the most common places for accidents to occur in Nevada. Between 2014-2018, 495 people lost their lives in intersection-related crashes. Data attributes the unsafe driving incidents at Nevada intersections to rushed drivers who are not taking all safety precautions to ensure safe crossing.
#6. Pedestrian Accidents
Similar to intersection deaths, pedestrian-based accidents are highly common in Nevada.
- There were 387 pedestrian deaths in Nevada during the same four-year stretch from 2014-2018.
- Additionally, 63% of pedestrian fatalities occur where there is no crosswalk.
#7. Speeding Accidents
Aside from distracted driving, speed also plays a major role in Nevada fatalities. In nearly ⅓ of all traffic deaths within the state, speed is a contributing factor.
#8. Leading Cause of Death for Teens
Car accidents are the number-one leading cause of death for teens in Nevada. If you are a parent of a teen driver, be sure to teach your child the rights and wrongs of the road. See these five tips as a starting point.
#9. Lane-Departure Accidents
There were 978 fatal lane-departure crashes in Nevada between the years 2014-2018, proving to be one of the most common types of accidents.
#10. Hit-and-Run Accidents
- Nevada has one of the highest rates of hit-and-run accidents in the country.
- Regarding fatalities, the state has the fourth-largest rate per capita.
- From 2006-2016, Nevada saw 246 total hit-and-run accidents that included one fatality.
What the Numbers Mean

Accidents happen, and when they do, you may need help. If you have been the victim of a collision, please feel free to contact the experienced team of car accident lawyers at SJW Injury Attorneys. Our attorneys can help you recoup your losses and receive the settlement you deserve. Consultations are completely free.