Since COVID-19 and the dramatic rise in people working from home, national traffic estimates show that fewer people drove few miles in 2020. Unfortunately, the total number of fatal crashes actually increased. If the traffic numbers were down in total, one would expect that there would also be fewer fatal crashes. However, fatality rate per mile driven also climbed and dramatically so. Excessive speed may play a big part
Speed and the open road
Reports find that speed-related crashes increased notably, suggesting that overall driver speeds were higher in 2020 than in 2019. On many levels, this makes sense. A lower traffic load means that roads were sparsely covered and likely felt open and safe to drivers. This can cause them to increase their own speed, which then increases the odds of a fatal crash. Even a reduction in total crashes may not fully counter an increased fatality rate.
It also seems that there was an increase in impaired driving. While this is not a new problem, it’s clear that impairment causes serious crashes. These usually account for roughly a third of all fatalities. If more drivers were impaired and speeding, it follows that there would be more fatalities, even with fewer cars on the road.
Have you lost a loved one?
Did you lose a loved one in a serious car accident caused by a speeding or impaired driver? You may have a right to seek compensation for funeral costs, lost wages, medical bills and more.