It’s that special time of year in Las Vegas when thousands of cowboys and rodeo fans descend upon the Valley for the National Finals Rodeo. Events begin on Thursday, December 2nd at the Thomas and Mack Center and run through December 11th.
Consequently, traffic around the Thomas and Mack will increase dramatically, which could increase the risk of serious car, truck, or SUV accidents or car/pedestrian accidents. This means you should use extra caution if you are driving in this area during the next couple of weeks.
Visitors will also be descending on South Point on the Strip just south of Silverado Ranch Road. That’s where about half of the ancillary NFR events will be taking place, such as the Pro Rodeo Cowboys Association National Convention and Trade Show, awards presentations, and live entertainment. So watch out for increased traffic in this area as well. Furthermore, since it’s a safe bet that many NFR attendees will want to experience the casinos and entertainment on the Strip, you can count on bigger crowds and more vehicles on the roads.
The last thing anyone wants is for a moment of carelessness or inattention to result in an accident. So here are a few suggestions to help prevent this from happening:
- Exercise patience when driving behind someone who is obviously having trouble finding his or her destination. Give them a wide berth if you can.
- Be aware of pedestrians who may not be used to traffic in a big city. They may wander out into the roadway unexpectedly.
- Watch out for trucks pulling large trailers not only near places where rodeo events are taking place, but also on the freeways and major sidestreets. Keep in mind that these drivers may not be able to see you if you are behind them or driving in their blind spot. They also need extra space to stop suddenly, so try to avoid screeching to a halt in front of them.
If you do get hurt in an accident, seek medical attention and then contact a qualified personal injury attorney to see about seeking compensation for your injuries and lost time at work.