The pandemic has driven more Americans off the roads and into their homes for prolonged periods of time. While fewer drivers behind the wheel and lower disposable incomes should equate to a significant reduction in accidents, a strange phenomenon reveals that the opposite is occurring.
Research reveals that older and more experienced motorists are staying away from motor vehicle travel. Conversely, a younger demographic composed of teenagers and young adults who lack the experience of their older counterparts are taking to the road with risky behavior to sate their boredom.
In 2020, crashes did not drop along with the fewer number of cars and trucks on the road. In fact, vehicle crashes killed 243 people in New York City, representing the highest total in six years. Fatal motorcycle accidents reached their highest level since the 1980s, with more than half not having a license.
Even more tragic, fatality rates increased by nearly a third from April to June of last year, compared to the same time span in 2019, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Crunching the numbers
Researchers believe that the spike in accidents comes from the impact of the stay-at-home orders. Cabin fever is creating an itch to take to the road. Once there, many more are putting the pedal to the proverbial metal. Even the once bygone era of drag racing is making a comeback on urban boulevards throughout New York, putting both drivers and pedestrians at risk.
To make matters worse, drivers frustrated at being “shut-ins” are doubling down on their negligence by exceeding the speed limit while under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
What are your options?
New York City officials took notice and reduced speed limits by five mph on nine particularly dangerous thoroughfares spanning the five boroughs. Police officers are also working harder to enforce the speed limits to protect drivers at risk of injuries and death, including the most attentive and defensive drivers vulnerable to reckless motorists.
Victims and their loved ones suffer when they suffer life-changing injuries in a wreck they did not cause. Medical bills can add up quickly during lengthy recoveries that often result in lost wages.
Protect your rights by consulting an attorney experienced in overcoming the obstacles victims face following dangerous and deadly acts of negligence behind the wheel. At our firm, we will fight for the best possible outcome and strive to maximize the compensation you deserve.