During the spring of 2020, fewer cars traveled along roadways in major cities across the country. However, even though fewer vehicles were on the road, many large cities like Los Angeles experienced an uptick in auto accidents and fatalities. Even as the pandemic restrictions have started to ease in 2021, unsafe driving behaviors like reckless driving, excessive speeding, and distracted driving continue to rise and perpetuate the uptick in traffic injuries and fatalities. Let’s take a look at what this trend could mean for California drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, and pedestrians in the near future.
What the Data Says
According to the most recent data, the first three months of 2021 were the deadliest period of auto accidents in over a decade. Between January and March, 8,730 people lost their lives in vehicle-related accidents. This surge in traffic fatalities marks an increase of over 10 percent compared to the same three-month period in 2020. While traffic volume during this period in 2021 rebounded from the pandemic low, Americans still drove approximately 7.5 percent fewer miles than they did in 2019.
Risky Driver Behaviors Contribute to Accidents
While analysts do not entirely understand what’s behind this spike in traffic accidents, they’ve identified a few factors that may play a role. It appears that more drivers are traveling at unsafe speeds, partly because of the lower traffic volume on major roadways. Additionally, more accidents involving intoxicated or distracted drivers have been reported. Many accident victims were not wearing seatbelts at the time of impact, increasing the severity of their injuries.
What Lies Ahead for Riverside County Drivers
As we move toward the conclusion of 2021, we should remain aware of the continued surge in auto accidents throughout Southern California. While you may practice safe driving habits, others may not—resulting in an auto accident injury that causes you significant physical, financial, and emotional stress. As you focus on your recovery, enlist the guidance of a knowledgeable auto accident attorney to help you file a claim and obtain the compensation you need to get your life back on track.
Talk to a trusted Temecula auto accident attorney by calling Hales & Associates, A Professional Law Corporation, today at (951) 489-3320.