Head-on car collisions are some of the most common accidents in the Las Vegas area, with victims suffering catastrophic injuries and deaths. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), head-on collisions are the second most frequent type of car accident, resulting in 2,808 fatalities and 66,000 injuries in 2012.
Understanding the Causes of Head-On Collisions
Head-on crashes can occur when one vehicle veers out of its lane into oncoming traffic or when a motorist is driving the wrong way on the road – especially dangerous on highways. These accidents can be more deadly because the vehicles are frequently going at a fast speed, and the impact causes the vehicles to come to an abrupt stop – worse than crashing into a brick wall. Causes of these accidents include:
Driver fatigue.
When a driver is tired, he could fall asleep at the wheel, or his reflexes could be slower.
Cellphone usage.
Drivers who are talking on their cellphones or texting have their eyes off the road. When this happens, they can easily veer into oncoming traffic.
Faulty traffic signs and signals.
If traffic signals are not working properly, drivers need to treat the intersection as a four-way stop. When they do not follow the rules for proceeding, they can collide head-on with a vehicle in the intersection, sometimes causing a multi-vehicle crash.
Older drivers.
Older drivers can have slower reaction times and reduced vision. In addition, they can get confused more easily. As a result, they may not realize they have veered into another lane or are going the wrong way on the highway or a busy road.
Dangerous passing.
Impatient drivers trying to pass slower vehicles in no-passing zones, near curves, or when it is otherwise unsafe can collide head-on with oncoming traffic.
Driver intoxication.
Many head-on collisions are caused by drivers using alcohol or drugs. A drunk driver’s reflexes are impaired, and his ability to calculate distances and directions is diminished.
Poor road conditions.
Large potholes, faded or nonexistent lane dividers, and poor visibility due to weather conditions can all cause a driver to veer into oncoming traffic.
Have You Been Involved In A Henderson Or Las Vegas Car Accident?
If you’ve been injured in a car accident you need to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Henderson office directly at 702.405.6000 to schedule a free initial consultation.