NHTSA: More Died on US Roads in 2020 Due to Risky Driving Despite Lockdowns

The COVID pandemic changed how we live in ways we did not expect. One of the most significant changes was that many people stayed off the roads and began to work from home. But even with fewer people on the roads each day, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that more people died in road accidents in 2020 than average. Why? The answer may be dangerous driving.

At Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano P.A., we work to hold dangerous drivers accountable. We have more than 100 years of combined experience fighting for the people of Gainesville and the surrounding areas. With our dedicated team, we can seek the compensation you deserve while providing the personalized care and high-quality representation we are known for.

Recovering from an accident can be challenging, but Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano P.A. can help. WHEN LIFE CHANGES, WE’RE THERE. Call us or contact us online for a free consultation.

Driving Trends During COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, fewer people were on the roads, but those who were driving were going faster. Some reports show as much as a 22% average increase in speeds in 2020. Speeding makes it more difficult to maintain control over a vehicle and more likely that a collision will occur.

Another worrisome dangerous driving trend during COVID-19 involves the use of drugs and alcohol. The NHTSA report stated that in 2020, 65% of people injured in major crashes had drugs or alcohol in their systems. This is up significantly from pre-pandemic numbers, where only 50.6% of people in major crashes had intoxicants in their system.

Another pandemic traffic trend that is contributing to driving fatalities is that people are not wearing their seatbelts. Seatbelts are one of the best ways you can protect yourself in an accident. Without one, your odds of being injured increase. Unfortunately, enforcement of seat belt use seems to have gone down during the pandemic, resulting in more serious injuries and driving fatalities.

Traffic Fatalities Increase in 2020

Despite fewer people on the road in 2020, those who did drive often drove more dangerously. This resulted in more fatalities. The first nine months of 2019 resulted in 26,941 fatalities, compared to 28,190 fatalities during the same period in 2020. This represents a 4.6% percent increase in 2020 car accident deaths.

Injured? How a Gainesville Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

If you were injured in a car accident, a lawyer can:

• Advise you on your options for compensation
• Handle any discussions with insurance companies
• Take care of anything that your case needs while you heal
• Stand up for you during settlement negotiations
• Aggressively seek the compensation you deserve
• Fight for you and your rights in court

If you were hurt due to dangerous driving during COVID, talk with an experienced car accident lawyer in Gainesville at Fine, Farkash & Parlapiano P.A. today. We know how devastating a car accident can be and we are here to help you move forward. With over 100 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys have the skills and knowledge necessary to advocate for your rights.

Call us or contact us online now for a free and confidential consultation.