CALL 916-777-7777
Youtube Facebook-f X-twitter Linkedin-in

Has the Risk of a Car Crash Gone Up During the Pandemic?

Posted on behalf of Arnold Law Firm in

gray-car-smashed-frontOn May 20, the National Safety Council released statistics showing U.S. highways have been deadlier during the pandemic. According to preliminary data from March, when Americans started driving less, the fatality rate per mile driven increased by 14 percent compared to the year before.

These statistics confirm reports from around the nation about speeding and reckless driving during the pandemic leading to many crashes and fatalities. Below, learn more about the increased risks for accidents during the pandemic and what you can do to help reduce your risk of a crash.

If an accident happens and someone else is at fault, call Arnold Law Firm to schedule a free legal consultation. One of our licensed Sacramento auto accident attorneys may be able to help you seek compensation for damages.

Car Crash Statistics During the Pandemic

Unfortunately, the risk of a crash on the roadways has increased, according to the National Safety Council’s manager of statistics, Ken Kolosh. Even though there was an eight percent decrease in traffic deaths from March 2019 to March 2020, the decrease could have been even higher if the danger on U.S. roadways had stayed the same. The decrease should have been closer to 18 percent.

While the total number of miles driven dropped by nearly 20 percent (18.6 percent), compared to March of 2019, the death rate increased from 1.07 to 1.22 in March 2020.

Average speeds increased well above speed limits. In some cities, average speeds more than doubled, according to traffic data. State troopers in California, Maryland, Virginia and Minnesota said they wrote more speeding tickets. In some cases, drivers have been going over 130 mph.

“Unfortunately, with the anecdotal reports of risky driving, we fear that the fatality rate per hundred million miles traveled is going to continue to be elevated,” says Kolosh.

Staying Safe Around Reckless Drivers

Trusting other drivers to make good decisions behind the wheel can be a recipe for disaster. Driving defensively has become even more important, regardless of what other drivers are doing.

  • Always be aware of the cars around you and anticipate possible dangers.
  • Stay a safe distance behind the vehicle in front of you.
  • If you notice a driver speeding or driving erratically, do your best to stay away. Switch lanes or slow down to let these drivers pass.
  • Do not look at your cellphone or do anything else that could take your eyes and your mind off the task of driving.
  • Focus on driving to ensure you have time to react to hazards that come your way, along with reckless drivers.
  • Avoid interstates and other roads with higher speed limits when possible.
  • Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination. Account for bad weather or other factors. Many crashes happen when drivers are rushing.
  • If you encounter road rage, keep calm and try not to take the other driver’s actions personally. Angry drivers tend to drive recklessly and ignore traffic laws.
  • If another driver seems angry with you, keep your distance and avoid making eye contact.
  • If the trip is not essential, stay home and off the roads.

Are You a Car Crash Victim? Set Up a Free Legal Consultation

While there are numerous reasons for car accidents, many are the result of another driver’s reckless actions, often speeding or distracted driving.

When these types of accidents happen, victims should consider meeting with an attorney. The legal process can be complicated and recovering maximum compensation can be challenging without representation. The attorneys at Arnold Law Firm have a proven history of recovering compensation for accident victims.

There are no upfront fees and the initial consultation is free. That means no risk to you in meeting with us to discuss your accident.

Call (916) 777-7777 to schedule your free consultation.

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.