Safety Tips when Visiting Las Vegas, NV – From a Personal Injury Lawyer

Whether you have come to Las Vegas for a concert, a basketball game or great food, there is something for everyone!

While you will frequently see many tourists around and a strong security presence in casinos, it is important to be diligent while enjoying the city. Unfortunately, some people with bad intentions prey on tourists looking to experience world-class shows and nightlife. Below are some common safety tips to remember when visiting Las Vegas.

Drive Carefully

Las Vegas has grand hotels, bright lights, and lots of other eye candy. These things can be fun to look at, but they can also be distractions, especially while driving. Keep your eyes on the road and avoid distractions to minimize your chances of a car accident. Also, avoid drinking before driving.

Avoid Common Injuries at the Casinos

Casinos have a lot going on. Lights, bells, gambling, alcohol — you name it. When these things combine, injuries can occur unexpectedly. Slip and falls and assaults are two injuries you should try to avoid.

Slip and falls can and do occur at casinos, hotels, or restaurants. Often, these falls are a result of hazards that the casino or hotel did not fix or warn customers about. To avoid slip and fall injuries, make sure to keep your eyes peeled for objects or dangers on the ground as you’re walking. Also, try not to overconsume alcohol, as alcohol can decrease your awareness and ability to react to hazards.

Assaults are another common source of injury at Las Vegas casinos. After all, people can get aggressive when they are down on their luck, especially if they’ve been consuming alcohol. If someone tries to pick a fight with you, do not engage or escalate. Remain calm and report the person to casino security or staff if they continue to harass you.

If you do suffer an injury at a casino or another location in Las Vegas, especially one that was not your fault, consider contacting a local personal injury attorney for help understanding your legal options.

Watch Your Wallet

You should keep your wallet and other valuable items as close to your body as possible. Pickpockets may be looking to take advantage of unsuspecting tourists in large crowds. To avoid this, keep your wallet in a front pocket rather than a back one.

If you are carrying a purse, wear it across your body instead of on one shoulder. Carrying pouches and wallets that zip can also protect you from pickpockets.

Hide Your Valuables

When sitting down at a slot machine or grabbing dinner with friends, be mindful of where your valuables are. Avoid leaving your phone on a bar or your bag on a chair.

It’s fun to meet new people in Las Vegas and spark up conversation. However, never lose track of your belongings while engaged in small talk. Some pickpockets work in groups and chatting at a bar could be a means to distract you.

If your phone or wallet are not in your hand, they should be hidden away. Be extra cautious when charging your phone in a casino or bar. If you choose to use a charging station, keep your hand on your phone even as you gamble.

Beware of Stranger Danger

You may be out late at night and find yourself propositioned by someone looking to go back to your hotel. While it may all seem like fun and games, you could find yourself being set up.

Once you go back to your room, you could find yourself robbed of cash and jewelry. Remember to be mindful of where you store your valuables in a hotel room. Do not keep laptops or tablets in plain sight.

Even though it may be tempting, you should not invite strangers to your hotel room. Always meet new people in public places that are mutually agreed upon. If you do invite a stranger to your room, get to know as much as you can about them ahead of time.

When you are meeting up alone with a stranger, let a friend know where you’ll be and who you’ll be with.

Practice Safe Hotel Habits

When visiting Las Vegas, it is important to do a few things while staying in your hotel:

Make sure your door is locked when you leave the room. If you think you locked it, double-check.
Never prop your door open. Lock the door and take your key even if you’re just running to the lobby.
When you leave the hotel room, your cash, jewelry, and other valuables should be with you or in the safe.

Do not keep large amounts of cash in your hotel room. Call ahead to find out if the casino will let you wire cash in advance.

Don’t Keep Cash in the Car

Whether you take a road trip to Las Vegas or catch a flight and rent a car, do not leave valuables in your vehicle. Many visitors think it is safer to leave cash in the car than bring it into the casino. However, your out-of-state license plate may attract more attention to your car for those looking to target tourists.

Consume with Caution

Las Vegas is exciting and it can be tempting to overindulge while vacationing. Though it may be difficult, it is important to monitor your drinking while you’re out.

If you are intoxicated, you may become a bigger target for crimes. If you are drinking heavily, it may be easier to steal your wallet or phone as you will be less aware of your surroundings.

You should also keep an eye on your drinks. If you get up from a bar to use the restroom, do not leave your drink unattended.

Stick to the Strip and Have Fun

As safe as Las Vegas is, it never hurts to be a bit cautious when visiting a vibrant city. However, you should feel confident that you can have a fun and safe time walking on the Strip.

Avoid walking to areas that do not have a strong tourist presence. In Las Vegas, where there are tourists, there is security and police. If you leave the touristy areas, you may find yourself in sketchy situations.

Always stay in groups when possible. When in doubt, use common sense, avoid injuries and have fun!