Approximately 270 million Americans are under stay-at-home orders in the United States. As such, there are fewer drivers on the road. Consequently, researchers at the University of California, Davis (UCD) have noted a 60% drop in car accidents in California. While car accidents are proven to be going down in California and traffic injuries and fatalities have fallen from 400 to 200 cases in the state, these statistics are relevant nationwide.
In Washington, for instance, car accidents have decreased by 67% statewide and fatalities have gone down by 100%.
Insurance companies across the United States are also issuing generous refunds due to the sharp drop in claims and accidents.
Unfortunately, open roads have also given way to dangerous driving behaviors.
Speeding and Drag Racing
In April, street racers broke the record for the fastest “Cannonball run” in U.S. history. The Cannonball run is a highly illegal automotive sprint from one side of the country to the other. That’s right, amid those going out for groceries or essential tasks, “Cannonballers” were driving over 100 mph on over 3,000 miles of public roadways.
While some are celebrating the record-breaking race, others are criticizing the move for its recklessness. In response, a group of Cannonballers has canceled their plans to run the race in the first week of April.
Racers and joyriders have caused several accidents in the past few months, and any time speed is involved, accidents can be deadly. There is no excuse for innocent drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists to be harmed by another’s negligence.
Even without drag racing, speed has proved to be a problem on U.S. roadways amid the COVID-19 pandemic. In California, drivers have gotten 42% more excessive speeding tickets than usual, and those cited were going 100 mph or more.
With all these unsafe and unpredictable behaviors on the road, be sure to practice defensive driving whenever you are out for an essential task.
Harmed By a Reckless Driver?
Despite a widespread drop in car accidents and our best efforts for safety, you may still be harmed by a careless driver. If you or a loved one is injured or killed, please do not hesitate to contact the Dallas personal injury lawyers at Mathias Raphael PLLC Accident & Injury Lawyers for legal help.
Our attorneys can help you move forward after catastrophic injuries and personal losses. All you need to do is call us at (214) 739-0100 and tell us what happened during a free consultation.
Please stay safe and healthy during this unprecedented time. For resources related to COVID-19, please consult the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).