In my first blog on Nevada driving laws, I outlined laws regarding headlights, seat belts, child safety seats, helmets and unattended children.  Now I will go over some of the Nevada driving laws that when ignored, are the most typical causes of auto accidents and also some of the most misunderstood laws.  The information is found in the Nevada Drivers Handbook, which can be found at http://www.dmv.org.

Following Distance

The rear-end collision is the number one type of crash in Nevada.  To avoid being the cause of a fender-bender, stay behind other vehicles by at least 2 seconds, if you are driving 40 mph or less.  However, most driving instructors recommend up to 4 seconds.  As your speed increases, so should the amount of space between you and the driver in front of you. For example, if you are traveling at 55 mph, you would need almost 7 seconds to stop with perfect brakes and ideal road conditions. At high speeds, or in weather conditions when streets and roads become slippery or visibility is reduced, increase your following distance.

Turning

To make safe and legal turns, make sure you are in the correct lane well ahead of time.  Look ahead, behind and to each side of your vehicle.  Signal your turn at least 100 feet ahead on city streets and 300 feet on open highways.  Watch for and obey traffic signals, signs and pavement markings that direct your movement.  Allow time and space to make your turn safely.  Yield the right-of-way to pedestrians and other traffic.  When turning, be especially aware of pedestrians and bicyclists, as well as other vehicles. Before making your turn, look one more time in each direction.

4-Way Stops

At a 4-way stop, you must wait for vehicles within the intersection, and for those who reach the intersection before you do, to go first.

Yellow Lights

At a yellow light, if you have not entered the intersection, you must stop. If you are already in the intersection, continue moving and clear it safely. NEVER speed up to “beat the light.”

Roundabouts

As you come upon a roundabout, choose which lane you will use, yield to those in the roundabout and wait for a gap in the traffic before entering.  The left lane is for turning left, completing a u-turn or going straight.  The right lane is for turning right or going straight.  Never change lanes. If you are in the inside lane and miss your exit, you must continue around until you reach the exit again.  Use your right turn signal when exiting.

Center Lanes

You may enter a center lane only to make a left turn onto or from the highway.  You may not travel more than 200 feet in a center turn lane before making a left-hand turn and you may not travel more then 50 feet in a center lane after making a left-hand turn onto the highway before merging with traffic.

For more information on all Nevada driving laws, go to http://www.dmv.org.

Photo reprinted from Netstate.com

Many people are unaware that 30 days after moving to Nevada, drivers must obtain a Nevada license.  They must also register their vehicle at the same time, or within 60 days of moving, whichever comes first.  The fine for an unregistered vehicle is $250-$500.  To see who does and does not qualify as a Nevada resident, visit the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles Web site at http://www.dmvnv.com/newresident.htm.

Driver License Requirements

Before going to the DMV, be sure you have all the necessary documents to apply for a Nevada license.  You must bring: 

·       A valid, state-issued driver license or ID card

·       Your social security card, if your social security number is not printed on your driver license or ID; alternatives to a social security card are listed at the link above

·       Additional proof of identity, such as an original birth certificate, U.S. passport, Certificate of Citizenship or Naturalization, or a Permanent or Temporary Resident Card

Tests and Fees

Please note that all drivers who currently hold a valid U.S. license must take the vision test and drivers under the age of 25 are required to take the vision and knowledge tests.  Many people who take the knowledge test fail, so take some time to study the booklet the DMV will provide you before taking the test.  Be prepared to spend $21.25 for your driver license, or $16.25 if you are 65 and older.

DMV Locations and Hours

A storm hits the valley Aug. 7, 2008. Photo reprinted from LasVegasNow.com 

Yesterday afternoon, the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Las Vegas and the surrounding cities.  As a result of the storm, a mother and her young son were sent to the hospital after being struck by lightning, a 12-year-old boy was rescued from rushing water and roads throughout the valley were briefly flooded.  Fortunately, there were no deaths or serious injuries and everyone is reported to be OK.   

Like I noted in my last post, thunderstorms such as yesterday’s are more common during the summer.  Below are some tips from the National Weather Service, LVMPD and Fox 5 Web sites about how to keep safe from lightning and flash floods and how to react if you ever find yourself in one of these emergency situations.

See: Las Vegas lightning video posted on YouTube

Lightning Safety:

·     If you are outdoors and can hear thunder, seek shelter immediately in a building or vehicle. Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from area where it is raining, which is about the distance you can hear thunder.  Do not stand under trees or other large objects. If you are in water, get to dry ground and seek shelter, because water is a conductor of electricity.

·     If indoors, stay away from windows or doors, stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity. Stay away from pools, indoor or outdoor, tubs, showers and other plumbing.

·     If lightning is in the immediate area, and there is no safe location nearby, stay slightly apart from other people, so the lightning won’t travel between you, if hit. Keep your feet together and sit on the ground out in the open.  Do not stand under trees or other large objects.

·     If a person is struck by lightning, check for injuries. Burns are possible, and they may not be breathing or have a heartbeat. Call 911 and start CPR immediately. You are in no danger helping a lightning victim. The charge will not affect you.