Despite there being strict restrictions on travel throughout most of 2020, the number of fatal car crashes increased across the country. This might come as a surprise to Georgia residents, who expected the roadways to be empty of most traffic and therefore car accidents to decrease. However, authorities blame the increase in crashes to precisely this reason—drivers saw empty roads and drove too fast.
Increase in car accidents
Even though there were fewer cars on the road, those who were on the road engaged in riskier behavior and were involved in more fatal crashes, the data shows. Between January and September of 2020, there was a 4.6% increase in fatalities, up to 28190 from 26941 in 2019. There was a 13.1% increase in fatalities between July and September alone.
Why have fatal crashes increased?
According to experts, one of the major causes of this increase is speeding. Another big factor was alcohol and drugs, with about 65% of accident victims having it in their system at the time of treatment. This is an increase from 50.6% in 2019. Additionally, fewer people were wearing seat belts.
The pandemic has caused severe mental and emotional distress in many people, which is why many of them may be distracted drivers, forgetting to put on their seat belts or not paying attention to changing traffic patterns.
This frustration can be compounded by becoming injured or losing a loved one in a car accident caused by someone else’s negligence. One way to get closure in these circumstances may be by filing a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent party and getting the financial compensation one needs to cover their sudden increase in expenses.