Frommer's Las Vegas 2004

GETTING AROUND 61
The basic insurance coverage offered by most car-rental companies, known as
the Loss/Damage Waiver (LDW) or Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), can
cost as much as $20 per day. The former should cover everything, including loss:
It usually covers the full value of the vehicle with no deductible if an outside
party causes an accident or other damage to the rental car. In all states but California,
you will probably be covered in case of theft as well. Liability coverage
varies according to the company policy and state law, but the minimum is usually
at least $15,000. If you are at fault in an accident, however, you will be covered
for the full replacement value of the car but not for liability. In Nevada, you
can buy additional liability coverage for such cases. Most rental companies will
require a police report in order to process any claims you file, but your private
insurer will not be notified of the accident. Check your own policies and credit
cards before you shell out money on this extra insurance, because you may
already be covered.
DRIVING SAFETY
Because driving on the outskirts of Las Vegas—for example, coming from California—involves
desert driving, you must take certain precautions. It’s a good
idea to check your tires, water, and oil before leaving. Take at least 5 gallons of
water in a clean container that can be used for either drinking or the radiator.
Pay attention to road signs that suggest when to turn off your car’s air conditioner.
And don’t push your luck with gas—it may be 35 miles or more between
stations. If your car overheats, do not remove the radiator cap until the engine
has cooled, and then remove it very slowly. Add water to within an inch of the
top of the radiator.
BY TAXI
Since cabs line up in front of all major hotels, an easy way to get around town
is by taxi. Cabs charge $2.70 at the meter drop and 20¢ for each additional 1 ⁄9
mile, plus an additional $1.20 fee for being picked up at the airport. A taxi from
Fun Fact
Did You Know?
• Las Vegas (Sin City) has more churches per capita than any other city
in America.
• Illusionists Siegfried & Roy have sawed a woman in half more times
than anyone else.
• Visitors on a trail ride once brought a horse into the crowded casino
of the Thunderbird Hotel. They put a pair of dice between his lips at
the craps table and he threw a natural 7.
• In January a Las Vegas visitor can ski the snowy slopes of Mount
Charleston and water-ski on Lake Mead in the same day.
• Former president Ronald Reagan performed at the Last Frontier in
1954. Those who saw him said he was a pretty good song-and-dance
man.
• Bandleader Xavier Cugat and Spanish bombshell singer Charo were
the first couple to exchange vows at Caesars Palace, 2 days after its
1966 opening.