Big games and championships stir up a lot of excitement, especially in busy cities like Las Vegas. Stadiums, sports bars, and streets fill with people, and rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft get far more use than usual. These rideshare services are very helpful for getting around and cutting down on drunk driving, but there’s also a downside: accidents involving rideshares tend to go up during big events.
Let’s take a look at what causes the spike in rideshare accidents, how these crashes usually happen, and what you can do to protect yourself when things get hectic.
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5 Reasons Rideshare Accidents Spike
1. Increased Traffic and Congestion
One major reason rideshare accidents go up during major sports events is simply because the roads are packed. When huge crowds show up, the streets fill with cars, buses, bikes, and pedestrians. With so much going on, it’s easy for drivers to feel stressed and rushed, which makes accidents more likely.
Picture the scene near Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on game day. Streets like Dean Martin Drive and Russell Road are crammed with fans trying to get in or out. Rideshare drivers, trying to keep up with constant pickups and drop-offs, might make quick turns, stop suddenly, or switch lanes without much warning. All that chaos can lead to crashes—sometimes with other cars, sometimes with people crossing the street.
2. Driver Distraction and Navigation Challenges
Another big reason rideshare accidents happen more often during major sports events is that drivers get distracted. They depend on GPS and apps to figure out where to go and who to pick up. But when streets are packed, blocked off, or rerouted for an event, things get confusing fast. Drivers have to do more at once—checking directions, watching traffic, and trying to spot passengers—all while keeping the car moving.
For example, picture a big event night near T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Roads around the Strip can be shut down or detoured with little warning, and GPS apps might lag or send confusing directions. A rideshare driver trying to find a pickup spot in a sea of cars and pedestrians might glance at their phone or try to reroute while driving, making a crash much more likely.
And during high-demand times like these, when surge pricing kicks in, many drivers feel pressure to squeeze in as many rides as possible. That can lead to more phone use and distractions behind the wheel. Even a few seconds of looking away can cause serious accidents in crowded, fast-changing traffic.
3. Impaired Driving
Big sporting events often go hand-in-hand with drinking. Lots of fans celebrate with alcohol before, during, and after the game. Rideshare services are a great way to avoid drunk driving, but it’s important to remember that not all risks disappear. There are still dangers out on the road.
Even though rideshare drivers are expected to stay sober and follow the rules, there are rare cases where that doesn’t happen. But more often, the bigger risk comes from other drivers. After a major event, the roads are packed, and some people driving home may be under the influence. That means even if your rideshare driver is being very careful, they still have to deal with other drivers who might not be.
4. Pedestrian Risks Around Crowded Areas
Another major risk during big sporting events is heavy pedestrian traffic. When crowds pour out of stadiums or gather near bars and restaurants, the streets get packed, not just with cars but with people walking everywhere.
Rideshare drivers in these situations have to deal with both busy traffic and unpredictable pedestrians. Trying to pick up or drop off passengers in crowded areas can be tricky. In high-pressure moments, some drivers might rush or overlook crosswalks, which raises the chance of accidents involving pedestrians.
5. Rushed Pickups and Drop-offs in Unfamiliar Zones
During major events, drivers are often navigating areas they don’t know well, especially if the event draws out-of-town rideshare drivers looking to cash in on the demand. These unfamiliar streets, combined with limited parking and unclear pickup zones, can lead to rushed decisions.
Drivers might stop in unsafe locations, block traffic, or double-park just to find their passengers. These quick choices, often made under pressure, raise the chances of getting into a crash or creating unsafe situations for riders getting in or out of the vehicle.
Practical Safety Tips During Big Sporting Events
Even though rideshare accidents are more common during big events, there are simple things you can do to stay safer. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Plan Ahead—Try scheduling your ride a little before or after the main rush. Avoiding the busiest times can help you skip the worst traffic and lower your chances of being in an accident.
- Pick a Safe Spot—Don’t get picked up right in the middle of a big crowd. Find a designated rideshare zone or a quieter nearby street where your driver can stop safely without rushing or blocking traffic.
- Speak Up and Stay Aware—Watch what’s happening around you. If your driver seems distracted or stressed, it’s okay to speak up. Ask them to focus or suggest turning onto a calmer street for pickup or dropoff if it feels safer.
Understanding Liability in Rideshare Accidents
If you’re ever in a rideshare accident, one of the biggest challenges is deciding who is at fault. Companies like Uber and Lyft usually provide insurance to cover injuries and damages, but the amount of coverage depends on what the driver was doing at the time. Were they picking someone up? Already driving a passenger? Just waiting for a ride request? Each situation is treated differently.
Let’s say you’re riding in a rideshare car when a crash happens. In most cases, the rideshare company’s insurance will help cover your medical bills and other losses. But things can get complicated if more than one car, pedestrian, or passenger is involved or if your rideshare driver is breaking traffic rules.
That’s why it helps to talk to a sporting event rideshare accident lawyer. An experienced lawyer can help sort through the insurance details, deal with paperwork, and make sure you’re treated fairly when it comes to getting compensation.
Conclusion
Las Vegas’ sports offerings are fantastic, and there are few things more rewarding than attending a big game, especially if your favorite team wins. The trick is not to let the risks surrounding these events dampen your experience. Extra vigilance can help you stay safe, but if you do get in an accident, contact our Vegas accident attorneys to make sure your rights are protected.