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Are People Driving Faster During Shelter-in-Place Orders?

Posted on behalf of Arnold Law Firm in
yellow-25-speed-limitAre cars speeding more these days? Or, have we just become accustomed to a slower pace as a result of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions? Shelter-in-place orders have had a dramatic impact on traffic conditions. The good news is that traffic congestion and collisions in California have been reduced by half, according to a recent UC Davis report. There are about 15,000 fewer collisions per month that can be attributed to the shelter-in-place order, mainly due to fewer cars on the road. With people getting behind the wheel for only essential trips, a decrease in traffic and collisions was expected, along with fewer drunk driving accidents resulting from the closure of bars and dine-in restaurants. However, as streets have emptied, speeds have gone up. For better or worse, cars slow down other cars, especially when there are enough of them to form traffic congestion. California Highway Patrol (CHP) officers have observed that cars traveling on quiet roadways are going faster. Recent traffic citations indicate more drivers exceeding 100 mph, and excessive vehicle speed is playing a bigger role in the crashes that are taking place. In addition to higher speeds, officers have noticed that drivers who remain on the road are driving more aggressively and recklessly. D.C. Department of Transportation Director Jeff Marootian recently reported that fewer cars on the road has resulted in reduced traffic crashes and injuries – and increased speeding citations and the percentage of crashes in which speed was a factor. Speed is a significant determinant of serious injury and mortality, especially for pedestrians and bicyclists. There may be fewer collisions, but the crashes that do occur are likely to be more severe. Staying at home is the safest place to be right now. If you do need to venture out, stay alert and drive safely. This is a good time to brush up on defensive driving techniques. If you happen to be involved in a collision during the COVID-19 pandemic, take extra precautions. If you or a loved one have been injured and need legal assistance, the Arnold Law Firm is here for you. We can evaluate your situation at no cost and no obligation, with no face-to-face meeting needed.

Call (916) 777-7777 or complete our free case evaluation form.

Settlement - $3,767,000

Truck Accident

A 20-year-old man who had been married for just 12 days left home on his way to work. He was driving on Pleasant Grove Road in Sutter County in the early morning when he came upon a slow-moving truck. As he pulled out to pass the truck, the truck driver turned left in front of him. The young man attempted to steer back into his lane but his vehicle struck an un-flagged piece of metal extending from the back of the truck. He died in the resulting crash.

Expert witnesses brought in by the Arnold Law Firm proved that the truck, owned and operated by a hauling firm, should never have been on the highway that morning. Specifically, the rear and side turn signals did not work and the rear-view mirror was in a poor state of adjustment at the time of the collision. As a result, the driver, who had failed to properly inspect the vehicle before setting out that morning, couldn’t see the young man’s vehicle as it attempted to pass.

The poor condition of the truck, its lack of maintenance and the manner in which it was operated were found to be substantial factors in causing the collision that killed the young man. The testimony also established that the man had been making a lawful pass at the lawful speed limit and acted reasonably when he attempted to avoid the collision.

The man’s 20-year-old widow was awarded $3,767,000.77, his parents were awarded $185,131 and the family was reimbursed $11,899 in funeral expenses. Though money is a poor substitute for a young man’s life, this verdict demonstrates that drivers who endanger the lives of others will be held accountable for their actions.