California drivers should know that traffic-related injuries and deaths continue to rise throughout the state and across the country. According to the National Safety Council, over 42,000 people lost their lives in motor vehicle crashes in 2020. This marks an 8 percent increase since 2019, and preliminary data indicate that 2021 will continue to see a rise in traffic fatalities. Here’s what Southern California motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians need to know about this concerning trend.
Uptick in 2021 Traffic Deaths in California
During the first six months of 2021, only six states experienced a decrease in traffic fatalities. The overwhelming majority of states saw a spike in traffic-related deaths, a trend that built upon the previous uptick during 2021. California experienced a 21 percent increase in traffic fatalities from 2020 to 2021, highlighting this pervasive pattern. State officials and safety experts are urging motorists to urge caution when venturing onto the road.
Factors Behind this Steady Increase
While the exact causes of this increase in traffic fatalities remain unknown, many have suggested that the pandemic and its restrictions have influenced this uptick somehow. For instance, the early months of 2020 saw a drastic reduction in the number of vehicles traveling along California roadways. However, many drivers who traveled these roads engaged in unsafe driving practices, such as speeding, driving while intoxicated, or distracted driving. As the traffic volume has increased in recent months, these risky behaviors have continued, putting drivers, passengers, cyclists, and pedestrians at increased risk of injury or death.
Staying Safe in Riverside County
Temecula and Murrieta residents should take their road safety seriously in the wake of this alarming uptick in traffic injuries and fatalities. Removing distractions, staying focused on the road, and wearing a seatbelt are all habits that can reduce your risk of accident injury. Of course, accidents still happen, so it’s essential to seek medical assistance as soon as possible to determine the severity of your injuries. As you focus on your physical recovery, enlist the assistance of a trusted auto accident lawyer to help you pursue and secure the compensation you need to get your life back on track.
If you need help collecting compensation following an auto accident injury in Temecula or Murrieta, call Hales & Associates, A Professional Law Corporation, today at (951) 489-3320.