Pandemic lockdowns and stay at home orders have kept many drivers at home but those who were out found open lanes which seems to have encouraged irresponsible driving. This erratic behavior has led to a sharp increase in car crashes and traffic deaths both locally and nationwide. The non-profit National Safety Council estimates that 42,600 people died in vehicles crashes in 2020, an increase on 8% over 2019. Also the fatality rate per 100 million miles driven spiked 24% in the same time span.
Even now as the pandemic shows signs of easing and traffic levels are returning to normal the poor driving behavior remains an issue. “It’s kind of terrifying what we’re seeing on our roads” said Michael Hanson, director of the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety. “We’re seeing a huge increase in the amount of risk taking behavior.” The statistic bear him out as well. Highway deaths in 2020 were the most since 2007 when 43,945 people were killed in car crashes and the safety council estimates 4.8 million people were injured.
Federal data shows Americans drove 13% fewer miles last year yet the number of deaths rose at an alarming rate. “The pandemic appears to be taking our eyes off the ball when it comes to safety” said Ken Kolosh the safety council’s manager of statistics. Early data regarding causation shows speed to be the top factor in many of these crashes. Additionally, tests of trauma center patients involved in traffic crashes show increased use of alcohol, marijuana and opioids. Drivers are using the empty roads to drive at extreme speeds and in many areas citations issued for speeds in excess of 100 mph have more than doubled. Traveling at over 100 mph make crashes far more severe. Please slow down, buckle up and remember buzzed driving is drunk driving.
We represent people who are injured because of the careless and reckless acts of others. At the end of the day your case can only be settled one time and you need to know all of the facts beforehand. The reason that insurance companies have paid our clients in excess of $130,000,000.00 is that we get the facts and are not intimidated at the prospect of going to trial when insurance companies fail to offer full compensation. We help with serious injuries that require serious representation. We are the Law Offices of Guenard & Bozarth, LLP. Our attorneys have more than 60 years of experience specializing in only representing injured people.. Call GB Legal 24/7/365 at 888-809-1075 or visit www.gblegal.com We would be honored to represent you!
