Effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Road Safety

The onset of the Covid-19 pandemic early in 2020 resulted in significant changes in the lives of Americans. The most noticeable was social isolation, as most people either chose or were mandated to stay indoors to avoid unnecessary interactions.

With most people working from home and students attending online classes, road traffic decreased significantly. Surprisingly, the rate of fatal accidents during the pandemic rose despite decreased road use. Either way, keeping a car accident attorney on speed dial is a great idea. Consider speaking to Smith Hulsey Law for further assistance in your case. So what led to this road accident fatality surge when traveling was heavily restricted?

Statistics from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed 36,096 fatalities in 2019 and 38,460 fatalities in 2020, a seven percent increase from the previous year. This was notably the highest reported fatality rate since 2007, with 41,259 fatalities. Unfortunately, the same trend was observed in 2021, which had registered more than 20,160 deaths by June. 

The NHTSA also stated the number of miles traveled during the pandemic was 13% less than in 2019. So, crash fatality rates still rose even though most Americans were not traveling then. The increase in road accident deaths was observed in all types of crashes. Except for pedestrian fatalities, which remained constant, the rest, like motorcycle and bicycle fatalities, went up by nine and five percent, respectively. The categories that registered a decrease in road accident-related deaths were commercial trucks, which decreased by two percent, and accidents with seniors over 64, which went down by nine percent. 

Why the Pandemic Saw an Increase in Road Fatalities 

The NHTSA conducted a study to determine the rise in fatal accidents during the pandemic. Here are their findings: 

Ignoring Seat Belt Safety

Seatbelt use has proven to be one of the most effective ways to prevent severe injury and death during an accident. However, it was found that the number of drivers wearing seat belts during road accidents decreased from 78% to 71% during the pandemic. This decline in seatbelt safety might have contributed to the increase in deaths on the roads. 

Speeding and Aggressive Driving 

Reports of aggressive driving during the pandemic were fairly common. This was attributed to pandemic-related frustrations, which were often released on the road while driving. Most people were stuck at home with families to look after and were constantly in fear of contracting COVID-19. 

Impaired Driving 

Alcohol consumption increased during the pandemic, and so did the number of alcohol-related crashes. In fact, DUI accidents accounted for 60% of pandemic road accidents. A common explanation for why impaired driving cases increased is that most drivers assumed that traffic police would be absent due to the coronavirus. 

Underestimating the Amount of Traffic 

With most people confined to their homes at the beginning of the pandemic, motorists quickly became used to empty roads. However, they were caught off guard as things started going back to normal by the summer of 2020. These drivers failed to recognize other motorists and were caught unaware by sudden traffic jams. 

Conclusion 

The number of fatalities on American roads continues to be a source of concern. Road safety remains a priority, and extra caution from drivers could go a long way. Back in the COVID days, people became lax about traffic rules. However, it is essential for everyone to follow the rules diligently. Even then, the threat of an accident can never be fully eliminated. 

If you or someone you know was injured during a car accident, you could hire a knowledgeable attorney to help you seek compensation for financial and non-financial losses. Also, if your loved one was killed, you can pursue a wrongful death claim. If successful, this compensation could cover the loss of financial support and familial relationships and help in compensating the family for their grief, sorrow, and mental suffering.