Less Traffic Equals More Deaths?
Despite Fewer Cars on the Road, Statistics Show an Increase in Traffic Fatalities
How can that be? At first glance, the math doesn’t seem to tally. However, the facts reveal that in the first six months of 2020, the National Safety Council reported an approximate 20% increase in motor vehicle deaths – the highest number of motor vehicle deaths for any six-month period since 1999!
The attorneys at Denlea & Carton are committed to helping injury victims and their families get the financial compensation they need after an accident. We have recovered over $100,000,000 in verdicts and settlements on behalf of our clients. Contact our office at (914) 368-7168 for a free consultation.
Quarantine Orders Reduced Traffic but Not Deaths
Interestingly, during the same six month period where motor vehicle deaths were on the rise, vehicle traffic across New York State declined due to the State’s quarantine order. So, what happened here?
The increase in deaths is blamed on the nearly empty streets and highways, which gives rise to excessive speeding and dangerous driving habits. Earlier this year, as reported by ABC 7, two people were killed when a speeding vehicle flipped into oncoming traffic on the Bruckner Expressway in the Bronx and exploded into flames. Racing was the cause for this horrific accident.
Excessive Speed Linked to Higher Death Rates
All of these statistics contradict traffic theory, which ties the higher volume of vehicles to the number of traffic deaths, when in reality this data shows that traffic congestion actually slows vehicles down. The lower the speed, the less likelihood of traffic deaths.
As explained in reporting by Reuters, fatal crashes were on the rise throughout the country during Coronavirus-related lockdowns, despite fewer cars being on the road. In some cases, cities reported a “shocking” level of extreme speeding. Traffic collisions at a higher speed are more likely to result in death, as noted in the article.
Soaring Death Rates Prompt Calls to Improve Safety
“Because of Covid-19 and many states’ shelter-in-place orders earlier this year, the country should have reaped a safety benefit from less traffic,” remarked Lorraine Martin, CEO of the National Safety Council, “Instead, our soaring rate of deaths speaks to our need to improve safety on our roads.”
Many of these accidents could have been preventable and lives saved. Please – drive safely!
Contact Our Office for a Free Consultation
At Denlea & Carton, we are passionate about helping those who have been injured or killed in car accidents throughout the state. Speeding is a leading factor in many fatal traffic accidents. If you have been injured in a speed-related accident, contact our office to speak directly with an experienced attorney.
Call (914) 368-7168 or fill out our online contact form for a free case evaluation. Our attorneys will walk you through your legal options and discuss your rights to recovery. We will come to you at no cost. All consultations are free, and there are no fees unless we win.
