According to a study of national traffic accident deaths from 1994 to 2008, Interstate 15 from San Bernardino County, California to Las Vegas is the most deadly road in America.  According to data from the federal Transportation Department, during the 15-year study period, 1,069 people were killed in 834 accidents involving at least one or more fatalities on that 181-mile stretch of road.  The fatality rate on that stretch of Interstate 15 was more than double the fatality rate of any road in any other county.

Here are the facts, driving is the most risky endeavor Americans do.  More people have been killed in auto accidents than any other activity.  In fact, according to the Las Vegas Sun, driving accidents have produced “more horrific body counts than any modern war or act of terrorism.  More than 100 people perish every day on America’s killer roads.”  In 2008, 37,261 people died as the result of auto accidents on the American roadways.

The accidents on the deadly Interstate 15 are caused by the typical factors that cause accidets, injuries and deaths on our local Las Vegas highways and roads.  “According to federal computer files, more than half of the people who died on that section of I-15 were not wearing seat belts.  About a third of the accidents involved speeding and nearly a quarter involved at least one driver who had been drinking.”

Here is what you can do to protect yourself while on the road in Las Vegas.  All Las Vegas drivers and passengers must wear seat belts.  There is no way to get around it.  Seat belts save lives.  In addition, seat belts protect you and your passengers from very serious, life-long injuries.  Don’t drink and drive.  Don’t drive if you are impaired by any drug or medication.  Just don’t do it.  Don’t speed.  Don’t drive if you are distracted.  In other words, don’t talk on your phone, don’t dial your phone and DO NOT text while you are driving.  Just wait.  If you have to talk or text, pull over and do it only after you have brought your vehicle to a stop in a safe area, a parking lot for example.  Follow these simple common sense precautions and you will go a long way to protecting yourself and your family and substantially reduce the chances that you will be seriously injured or killed in a Las Vegas auto accident.  Be safe and be smart.