Car Crash Death Rates in Some States Rise During Coronavirus Pandemic

TMZ reports that car accident deaths across the nation are in decline due largely to coronavirus stay-at-home orders. In fact, because of the decline in car accident deaths across the nation, those waiting for organ donations have had to wait longer. TMZ reports that in California, car accident deaths dropped by 50% during the stay-at-home order. Emergency room visits due to accidents have also been in decline during the coronavirus stay-at-home orders. This is largely due to the fact that people are staying at home and remaining relatively sedentary.

However, a closer look at the trends reveals some shocking outliers. PoliceOne.com notes that some states have seen an increase in car accident deaths. In fact, five states have seen an increase in car accident deaths. These states are Connecticut, Louisiana, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Minnesota. Why have these states seen an increase in car accident deaths? With roads clear and traffic free, more people than ever have been speeding and engaging in distracted driving, both are practices that can increase the risk to drivers and passengers. In Minnesota alone police reported stopping more than 50 people who were allegedly driving more than 100 miles per hour. Because of the clear and open roads, people are dying at higher rates because they are not taking precautions while driving on empty roads. Empty roads doesn’t necessarily mean safer roads.

Yet, in the past few weeks, states have re-opened either partially or fully. This means that more drivers will be on the road and the risk for traffic accidents will also go up. Drivers who may have let their guards down will have to be more vigilant in the coming weeks as traffic increases.

Texas is re-opening many of its businesses in the coming weeks. According to the Dallas Morning News, restaurants will be able to operate at 50% capacity. Bars will be permitted to open at 25% capacity. With this new relaxing of restrictions, it is expected that more people will be on the road, more will be out later, and more people will be at risk of drinking and driving, especially with bars opening up again.

In the coming weeks, drivers should use their common sense to prevent car accidents. Follow the rules of the road, don’t drink and drive, don’t speed, and be aware that formerly empty streets will be seeing more traffic in the weeks ahead. Don’t get into the habit of letting your guard down.

The Cooper Law Firm is a Texas car accident law firm that works with victims and families who have been injured in automobile and truck accidents. If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, our law firm may be able to help you seek damages for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The aftermath of a car accident can be a stressful event for most people, and in these stressful times, a sudden injury from a car accident can be especially difficult. Contact our personal injury law firm today to learn more about your rights, or reach out to USAttorneys.com to get matched with a lawyer at the Cooper Law Firm today.