Football season is just around the corner with its tailgate parties and high-stakes rivalries. But behind the cheers and touchdowns lies a troubling reality: car accident rates tend to surge on game days.
Take Super Bowl Sunday when the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration consistently reports a spike in fatal drunk driving crashes. Distractions play a role, too, particularly around sports bars or crowded stadiums as fans rush to tailgate or check their devices for game updates. A little gridiron excitement can too often turn tragic.
In this blog, we’ll share information from our Las Vegas car accident attorneys about the dangers of game day driving and how to avoid them. We’ll also help you understand what to do if you get in a game day car accident.
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3 Ways to Avoid Game Day Dangers
Even if you’re driving sober and staying alert, others may not be. Knowing the risks can help you take extra precautions and stay safer behind the wheel during football season.
1. Avoid Driving During Peak Accident Times
Knowing when the roads are most dangerous can help you make smarter travel choices. Car accidents often increase right before games start and right after they end. Many fans are in a hurry to get to stadiums, bars, or parties, which can lead to speeding, sudden lane changes, and running red lights.
After the game, things can be just as risky. Fans may be emotional—either upset about a loss or excited about a win—which can make them distracted or aggressive behind the wheel. This can lead to more accidents, including road rage incidents.
And, of course, alcohol is an ever-present risk, whether fans have put back a few drinks before driving to a game or have had one too many during the game and driving home under the influence.
To stay safe, try to avoid driving during these busy coming and going times if you don’t have to. If you’re going to the game, leave early to avoid rushing. After the game, wait until traffic dies down before you head home. Just being aware of these high-risk times can help you avoid accidents.
2. Beware of Common Gameday Accident Hazards
Certain types of accidents happen more often during football season. Rear-end crashes are especially common because of heavy traffic near sporting venues or game-watching sites (like sports bars), distracted driving, or people driving under the influence. Drivers rushing to games or parties may not pay attention and fail to stop in time, leading to collisions.
Intersections also become more dangerous. Some drivers might run red lights or ignore stop signs if they’re in a hurry or not thinking clearly, leading to serious side-impact crashes.
Pedestrian accidents increase, too—especially in busy downtown areas. On game days, people often cross streets suddenly, and crowded sidewalks or parked cars can make it harder to see them. Always slow down and stay alert near stadiums or bars where people gather to watch the game.
3. Plan Smart and Drive Defensively
You can’t control how others drive, but you can take steps to keep yourself safer. Defensive driving is especially important during football season. Stay focused, leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you, and follow the speed limit, even if others don’t.
If you’re heading to a game day party or bar, plan your ride ahead of time. Use a designated driver, call a rideshare, or set up other safe transportation so you’re not tempted to drive after drinking.
Also, try to keep up with local traffic updates. News reports and apps can tell you where game day traffic is worst, helping you avoid busy roads and find safer routes. A few extra minutes of planning can go a long way in preventing accidents.
What to Do if You’re Involved in an Accident
1. Prioritize Safety First
Immediately after the crash, assess your safety and that of any passengers. If the vehicle is drivable and it’s safe to do so, move it to the side of the road or a safer area to avoid further accidents. Turn on your hazard lights to alert other drivers. If anyone is injured, call 911 right away.
Even if injuries aren’t immediately apparent, it’s still smart to request a medical evaluation. Adrenaline can mask symptoms, and some injuries—like concussions or whiplash—may not show up right away.
2. Call the Authorities
Regardless of the accident’s severity, report it to law enforcement. A police report provides a neutral, documented account of what happened. This can serve as essential evidence when dealing with insurance or pursuing legal action later. Be honest with the officers but avoid speculating or admitting fault—stick to the facts.
3. Exchange Information
Swap details with the other driver(s) involved, including:
- Full names and contact information
- Insurance providers and policy numbers
- Driver’s license numbers
- License plate numbers
- Make, model, and color of all vehicles involved
If there are any witnesses, ask for their names and contact details as well.
4. Document the Scene
Use your phone to take photos and videos of the scene, including vehicle damage, license plates, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. Visual evidence can help establish the truth for insurance companies and, if needed, court cases.
5. Notify Your Insurance Company
As soon as you’re able, contact your insurance provider to report the incident. Provide them with the collected information and cooperate fully with their process. Failing to report the crash promptly could delay or reduce your claim payout.
Contact an Attorney
It’s always a good idea to talk to an attorney after the accident. An experienced attorney can make sure your rights are protected if liability is unclear, if the other side is changing their story, or if you are being blamed unfairly. They can even help you get the best medical care with physicians who have extensive experience with car accident injuries and who will log the details of your case carefully so you have clear evidence for your insurance claim.
An attorney can help you collect the right evidence and record witness statements while they’re still fresh. They can use evidence to establish clear liability. They can also communicate with the other party’s insurance company so that they don’t try to get you to say something you might regret.
And finally, an attorney can help you know when an insurance settlement offer is fair or when you should hold out for more money.
Stay Safe During Football Season
Football season should be fun and exciting. You can help keep it that way by driving with extra care. And should an accident happen, stay calm, get help, and walk through the critical steps to gather important evidence.
Need help after your crash? Call one of our car accident attorneys serving Summerlin, Henderson, Las Vegas, and other surrounding cities. We’ve been advocating for Vegas car accident victims for more than 50 years. We have the experience and expertise to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
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Infographic
Driving on game days can often lead to heavy traffic, distracted drivers, and a higher likelihood of accidents. Therefore, it’s crucial to know how to react if you find yourself in a crash. In this infographic, continue reading to discover the steps you should take after a car accident.
