Traffic Fatalities on the Rise During Covid-19 Pandemic

If you thought the decrease in traffic on roads in Colorado and across the country during the pandemic would make driving safer, think again. Nothing could be further from the truth, unfortunately.

Although the total number of traffic accidents nationwide was down over the first six months of the year, new data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that fatalities were more common during the same span of time.

The rate of fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled jumped to 1.25 compared to 1.06 over the first half of last year, the federal agency said.

“Road safety is always our top priority, and while we are encouraged by today’s reports showing a continued decline in total fatalities in 2019 and into the first half of 2020, we are concerned by the trend since April showing an increased fatality rate,” NHTSA Deputy Administrator James Owens said in a statement announcing the new data.

NHTSA says more people are deciding to get behind the wheel with drugs or alcohol in their systems during the pandemic. 

The agency released a study of people seriously injured or killed in car accidents in the second quarter of this year. Nearly two-thirds of drivers were found to have alcohol or drugs in their systems, according to NHTSA. The number of drivers who tested positive for opioids alone jumped by 50%, the agency said.

Adding to the threat of injury, NHTSA said motorists appear to be driving faster during the pandemic and are less likely to wear seatbelts.

“Now, more than ever, we should be watching ourselves for safe driving practices and encouraging others to do the same,” Owens said. “It’s irresponsible and illegal to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, taking risks not only with one’s own life, but with the lives of others.”

Anyone who is injured in a car accident in Colorado has the right to seek compensation from those responsible for the collision.

The money damages often available in Colorado car accident cases includes compensation for doctors’ bills, property damages, missed wages while recuperating and any impact on the injured person’s long-term earning capacity. In the catastrophic situation in which a person is killed in a crash, his or her loved ones can also seek money damages for wrongful death.

In order to obtain compensation, you need to be able to identify the responsible person or entity and prove their legal liability. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide vital assistance. 

If you or someone you care about has been injured in a car or other accident in Colorado, a well-versed auto accident lawyer can assist you with obtaining the just compensation you deserve for your damages. There is no need to go it alone. Proper legal assistance can be the difference between getting short-changed by the insurance company and obtaining all the compensation to which you are entitled.