I'm having a strange phenomenon with my save games...
Early in the game, there's no issue. Loading a game usually takes between 2-5 seconds.
But, every single time I begin to approach New Vegas with a new character, my loading times explode and become more like 1 minute to 1? minute...
Everything else is loading fine, it takes only a few seconds to load new areas like the strip or casinos.

Why is this happening? And what can I do to prevent it, if possible?
My favourite character is a high risk-high reward sniper, meaning, I deal alot of damage, but if enemies start shooting or hacking at me, I succumb quickly. This also means that I often need to reload a save after an unsuccesful ambush. But with these atrocious loading times, I'd rather start a new character and play that one - until I reach Vegas, where I will then create yet another new character.

Anyway, any solutions or advice?
Thanks in advance.