The year 2020 changed many aspects of our society. While working from home and having your groceries delivered are some of the nicer developments, the increase in traffic fatality rates is a more concerning new factor. Many people find it hard to believe that there are more deaths from traffic accidents with fewer people on the road.
In their preliminary results for the first nine months of 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that there were an estimated 38,680 motor vehicle fatalities. This is a 7.2% increase from the prior year. This increased number of road deaths has led many people to wonder how this is possible and what they need to do to protect themselves while driving.
Why Did the Traffic Fatality Rates Surge in 2020 When Fewer People Were on the Road?
It is hard to believe that more people are dying from crashes with fewer people commuting to work and completing their daily errands. While the NHTSA states that it is too soon to understand how exactly COVID-19 contributed to this spike, many believe that drivers participated in riskier behaviors because there were fewer people on the road. Those analyzing the increase in accident-related fatalities are speculating that the factors below play a major role in the rising death rates:
- Disregarding traffic safety rules: Switching lanes, running lights, and making irresponsible turns are examples of behaviors that can lead to severe accidents on the road. These negligent actions increase when people assume they are the only ones on the road;
- Fewer people using public transportation: Because people took precautions for COVID-19, many people stopped using public transportation to reduce the risk of contracting the virus. As a result, the number of people using personal vehicles increased.
- Continuation of speeding: With primarily empty roads, speeding was a major issue on the road. Today, speeding continues to be an issue, even with more and more drivers getting back on the road.
After staying at home and not commuting to work and school, many U.S. residents are once again making their way back out into the world. It is still unconfirmed why there was a spike in fatalities, but the lack of people driving and increase in risky behaviors may be a significant factor.
4 Ways to Stay Safe on the Road
Concern for the recent data has many people questioning how to prevent fatalities and stay safe on the road. There are many ways to reduce the risk of an accident while on the road. Some methods that are easy to incorporate include:
- Stay focused;
- Avoid driving late at night;
- Follow the rules; and
- Keep your vehicle in a roadworthy condition.
Accidents still happen all the time, and we may not have any control over them. While you may follow all the rules and take the necessary safety precautions, other drivers can act negligently and inflict severe harm on you and your vehicle. If you suffer serious injuries due to someone else’s careless actions, contact an experienced car accident attorney for more information about recovering compensation.
Contact an Experienced Florida Car Accident Attorney at Marsalisi Law Today
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed a lot about our daily lives, including how we drive and the risks that come with driving. If you have been involved in a car accident, you should contact an attorney. At Marsalisi Law, our motivation and dedication to providing our clients with accessible communication and dependable legal representation will always be our top priority.
Fluent in both English and Spanish, Frank P. Marsalisi wants you to feel comfortable discussing your claim in either language. His extensive knowledge and experience in the legal field allow him to offer clients honest and dependable guidance.
Call (727) 800-5052 or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
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