Avoiding Car Crashes During Pandemic Restrictions

May 29, 2020

We know there is much less traffic on the roads because of the novel coronavirus pandemic and the resulting closure of non-essential businesses and stay-at-home orders. That should mean fewer car crashes, right?

By and large, there has been a reduction in car crashes. Unfortunately, in some places the number of deaths from car crashes has not decreased, while the number of deaths has increased in other places.

One unintended side effect of the reduction in traffic on our nation’s roadways is speeding. It becomes easier for drivers to lose their sense of how fast they are going because there is less of a need to slow down.

Below, learn more about special precautions you should take to help reduce your risk of a potentially fatal car accident. Also, learn more about why the number of serious accidents has increased over the past few months, as we have all been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Pandemic Traffic Crash Statistics

Some cities and states have seen an increase in dangerous car crashes during the pandemic. For example, in Minnesota, there were 24 crashes and 28 deaths between March 16 and April 7. There were just 12 crashes and 13 deaths in that same time the year before.

In Austin, Texas, there were 111 injuries from car crashes in March. There were just 99 injuries from car crashes in March 2019.

Meanwhile, in New York City, more motorists died between March 2 and April 8, despite less cars on the road.

In Massachusetts, the fatality rate for car crashes has gone up. That means your risk of dying in a car crash during the pandemic may be higher than it was at the same time last year.

Reasons for an Increase in Accidents

In Minnesota, dozens of drivers have been stopped for traveling over 100 mph, according to the state’s director of the Office of Traffic Safety. The number of speeding tickets issued has also gone up in Denver. The Colorado State Patrol has given out more citations for driving 20-40 miles per hour over the speed limit compared to last year.

Distracted driving may also be more prevalent during the pandemic. There is less traffic, so drivers get a false sense of security and begin to use less caution. They figure they have more time to react, so it is OK to look at their cellphones.

Driver Precautions During the Pandemic

While practicing defensive driving is always important, it is particularly important during the pandemic, as drivers may be much more reckless. Stay a safe distance away from other vehicles and take note of what the drivers around you are doing. If someone is speeding, try your best to stay away. Be particularly careful when making left turns on green lights.

Obey the speed limit and avoid distractions, such as your cellphone or the radio. Keep your eyes and mental focus on the road.

If you are tired, have someone else drive, or simply take a nap and get on the road when you feel more awake and alert.

If you do not absolutely need to drive somewhere, and you have a compromised immune system or are elderly, you should consider staying home. Those with compromised immune systems and those who are elderly are more at risk for dying if they contract COVID-19.

Injured in an Auto Accident? Our Licensed Attorneys May be Able to Help

If you suffered injuries in a car crash caused by another’s negligence, or you lost a loved one in such an accident, you should consider contacting Phillips Law Group for a free consultation. We may be able to help you seek compensation for your damages. Compensation can be a very important part of moving forward after an accident.

Our Phoenix car accident lawyers have recovered millions in compensation on behalf of auto accident victims. We do not charge for providing legal representation unless we obtain compensation for our clients. That means there is no risk to you in contacting us.

Free consultation with no obligation. Phone: 1-800-706-3000