Traffic Deaths on The Rise During The Pandemic

According to a recent article from The New York Times, The United States is currently having its largest increase in traffic crash fatalities since the 1940s. Considering vehicle crash deaths have been more or less decreasing since the 1960s, this is really something to be concerned about. In fact, in 2019, annual crash death rates were nearly at their lowest since the 1920s, when cars became a popular consumer item. Experts are now looking at the causes of this disturbing rise in fatal car crashes.  

The U.S. saw its first cases of Covid-19 in the spring of 2020, and once the pandemic was in full swing, we saw not only a surge in Covid-19 cases, but we also saw an increase in issues like aggressive driving and driving at high speeds. It didn’t seem to matter that there was less traffic and fewer vehicles on the roads. According  to the article, per capita vehicle fatalities went up 17.5 percent between the summer of 2019 and the summer of 2021. They report that this is the largest two-year increase since just after World War II.   

Frustrated and Angry Drivers on U.S. Roadways  

There are reports that people are more frustrated and angry as a result of two years of isolation and disruption to their lives. There has been an increase in violent crime, drug use and other issues impacting communities across the nation.  

In addition to an increase in overall traffic fatalities, we’re also seeing growing inequality and disparities in communities that are being impacted by traffic crashes. Although the overall traffic death rate rose 7.2 percent in 2020, there was a 23-percent increase among black Americans. Essential workers, who couldn’t stay home to work, were also disproportionately impacted  

Crashes Caused by Aggressive Drivers in Southern California  

After any kind of crash involving a speeding or aggressive driver, it’s important to speak with a Personal Injury lawyer about your case. You may be entitled to compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages and other expenses associated with your injuries.  

If you have been injured or if you have lost a loved one in a car accident caused by a dangerous or distracted driver in San Diego or anywhere in Southern California, contact the skilled and proven team at Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, Inc. at 1.800.GO.HARRIS for a free case consultation today.