Roadway Behavior During Quarantine
The COVID-19 or coronavirus pandemic has left millions of people quarantined in their homes this year. From shopping and dining to driving on the road, the pandemic has changed the way the United States operates. With so many people staying home, it would be assumed that the number of roadway crashes and deaths would decrease. Unfortunately, this is may not be the case around the U.S.
Roadway Statistics For Car Crashes in 2020
Roadway deaths nationally have risen in the United States, according to a recent Washington Post article. Even with state-issued stay-at-home orders, the death toll continues to rise. Reports from the National Safety Council show a 2 percent increase in roadway deaths in March, compared to the previous three months.
In the State of Texas, the number of car crashes has decreased during the quarantine. The decrease is not by a large margin but still shows some progress. The number of crashes for Fort Worth, Austin, and Houston dropped around 3 percent compared to the previous year. Although the number of crashes has dropped, the number of fatal or catastrophic injuries has continued to increase.
Why Is There An Increase In The Number of Deaths and Injuries?
While we see lower rates of reported collisions, it is important to consider other factors that could be causing these numbers. A lower rate of crashes does not automatically mean a lower rate of death or injuries. The Governors Highway Safety Association reported that with less people on the streets, those who are on the road may not be taking safety laws as seriously, resulting in speeding and reckless driving.
Additionally, due to quarantine and the stay-at-home order, highway safety reports may not fully reflect all of the collisions on the roadways at this time.
Our Legal Team Is Here To Help
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car crash, it is important to file a report and document the incident as soon as possible. Quick action can bolster your claim for compensation. Contact our experienced car accident attorneys to learn more information about your claim and your legal options.
