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Driving on the Las Vegas Strip can feel like you’re driving some kind of neon-laced obstacle course. You have flashing lights and crowds of people everywhere, cars changing lanes unexpectedly, and everyone is going somewhere important… right now.
Add in tourist drivers who have either never been to Las Vegas or have no idea where they are going, ride-share vehicles stopping wherever they please, and traffic patterns that make no sense, and it’s no wonder stress levels are often through the roof. You might be surprised by how many car accidents per day happen in Las Vegas—that statistic will help open your eyes to how careful and alert you have to be out there.
With a little bit of planning and some effective strategies, you can learn to remain calm, focused, and in control while driving through the traffic on the Las Vegas Strip. The guide below will address some strategies that will allow you to drive through Strip traffic with confidence.
Plan Your Route and Timing
Listen, timing plays a big role when dealing with Strip traffic. Peak times are testy, we’re referring to show times when people are trying to get to their casinos, shift changes when workers are going home, and weekends when the tourist traffic is at its worst.
Your GPS is going to be your best friend for this part of your trip, but look for apps that will help with real-time traffic. The strip’s flow will go from free-flow to gridlock in minutes, especially when there is an event or accident. Here’s a tip from locals here. Sometimes it’s so much easier just to park out of the way, off the strip and just walk in. Yes, there may be a few more blocks, but no fighting the parking on Las Vegas Boulevard with all that congested traffic.
If you do drive the Strip, try not to make those last-minute lane changes and sudden exits. That casino isn’t going anywhere if you happen to miss it and have to take a trip around the block. Just plan your next move ahead of time instead of becoming one of those drivers that everyone else is cursing.
Stay Calm, Focused and Patient
The sensory overload of the Strip is absolutely real. Those flashing lights, digital billboards and sound will overwhelm your senses if you do not stay focused. The key is to keep your eyes on the road and not get distracted by the visual chaos around you.
Keep a great distance between you and the car in front of you. Yes, I know, it is tempting to close gaps with heavy traffic but tailgating on the Strip is a recipe for disaster. People will suddenly stop, change lanes and will do things that are often unpredictable.
If you start to feel overwhelmed, don’t feel bad about pulling off into a parking garage or side street and just taking a break. Put some of your favorite music on, take some deep breaths, and reset your mind. There’s no reason to judge yourself for needing a mental break when the chaos gets to be a little too much.
Remember, everyone out there is struggling just like you, so a little patience goes a long way. Getting angry or aggressive makes the situation worse for everyone.
Be Aware of Tourists and Ride-Share Drivers
Tourists are going to do touristy things, like stop suddenly and take pictures, turn on a dime because they saw something they wanted to stop at, and drive agonizingly slow while searching for where they are supposed to be going.
Ride-share drivers are a different challenge altogether. They will stop in the middle of the block to pick up passengers, change lanes in front of you with no warning to get to the pick-up spot, and basically drive like they are the only one in the area and are only going by their GPS, which none of us can see.
Always allow plenty of extra buffer space around those valet/ride-share pick-up zones at hotels and casinos because this is where most of the unpredictable activity will occur from both ride-share drivers and the regular people trying to drop-off passengers.
Hotel and casino entrances are especially difficult. People will often be out of town, overly excited, and figuring out valet drop-offs, so you should just plan for anyone around that area to do the unexpected.
Cruise with Confidence
Driving down the Las Vegas Strip doesn’t have to be this completely stressful experience that ruins your day. With some forethought, the right mindset, and awareness of what makes Strip traffic unique, you can navigate it all like a true pro.
Preparation, patience, and providing yourself the tools to be successful are the keys. Be aware of risks—those random ride-share picks, and the unexpected lane changes—but don’t let it cause you anxiety.
With good navigation tools, making regular breaks when needed, and an understanding of where, and when, traffic will be at its worst, you can turn what could have been a nail-biting drive into a smooth, confident experience. You might even enjoy the trip down all those famous neon lights!