High-Speed Accidents & Deaths Have Increased During COVID-19

Coronavirus has cleared the roads, as more people work from home and fewer people are traveling. Unfortunately, this clearing in the roadways has resulted in more drivers taking risks and driving faster. Drivers are reaching speeds of 100mph or more in major cities around the country, and high-speed deaths are on the rise. Major cities haven’t seen their roadways this clear in years, with some reporting decreases in traffic as much as 45%. 

How to Prevent High-Speed Accidents 

• Plan your route ahead of time and leave with plenty of time to get to your destination.
• Keep an eye on your speedometer and make sure that you keep your speed at or below the speed limit at all times.
• Utilize speeding apps on your smart device to alert you if you are exceeding the speed limit. 
• Be extra mindful of other drivers who may also be speeding.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), road design also plays a huge role in high-speed accidents. After examining crash statistics from 2002, the NHTSA reported that about 40% of high-speed fatalities occurred when the driver took a curve. The NHTSA also reports that speeding played a role in about 27% of all 2015 fatal motor vehicle accidents. With the decrease in traffic, drivers are taking additional liberties with speed resulting in an increase in severe car accidents and more high-speed deaths.

The following illustrates the relationship between percentage change in speed and the percentage change in crashes:

Contact An Experienced Injury Attorney

While high-speed accidents are one of the most easily avoidable types of accidents, many drivers are more concerned about arriving at their destination quickly rather than the risks they pose to other drivers and themselves. High-speed accident victims may be able to file a claim to receive compensation for medical bills, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced accident attorney can evaluate your case and help you recover damages.

At Saladino & Schaaf, our personal injury attorneys have over 75 years of combined experience representing folks involved in car accidents. Contact one of our attorneys today to discuss your case at 270-444-0406 (Paducah) / 270-753-1529 (Murray) or contact us online for a free case evaluation.