Many things changed for almost every American thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, with some expected and others quite surprising. Most of the effects are understandable results of a typical global pandemic and affect all of society, but others are not. For instance, studies show that although road traffic was significantly down in 2020 and 2021, fatal accidents occurred more than in previous years.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration(NHTSA) conducted a study that showed that 38,460 people died in traffic accidents in 2020. By implication, this number indicated a seven percent increase from fatal traffic accidents in 2019.
Fatal Traffic Accidents in 2020 Versus Previous Years
Undoubtedly, the number of fatal traffic accidents in 2020 is high, but you can see its true significance by comparing it with previous years. Below are the numbers of fatalities by year in the United States:
2020 – 38,460 traffic accident deaths
2019 – 36,096 traffic accident deaths
2018 – 36,835 traffic accident deaths
2017 – 37,473 traffic accident deaths
2016 – 37,806 traffic accident deaths
2015 – 35,485 traffic accident deaths
2014 – 32,744 traffic accident deaths
2013 – 32,894 traffic accident deaths
2012 – 33,782 traffic accident deaths
2011 – 32,479 traffic accident deaths
2010 – 32,999 traffic accident deaths
2009 – 33,883 traffic accident deaths
2008 – 37,423 traffic accident deaths
2007 – 41,259 traffic accident deaths
This data is the most recent on traffic accident fatalities, with 2007 being the only year with more fatal accidents than 2020.
Meanwhile, data collected by the NHTSA shows that Americans traveled 13 percent less in 2020 than in 2019. This means that although people traveled less during the pandemic, there were still more fatal traffic accidents.
What Caused the Increase in Fatal Traffic Accidents During the Pandemic?
It is quite surprising that while traffic was down significantly in 2020, there was still a seven percent increase in fatalities. Thus, the NHTSA conducted a study to determine the factors that led to this increase.
The study results show that those who drove during the pandemic were more likely to exhibit dangerous driving behavior. Also, they were less likely to use their seatbelts and more likely to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Below are the factors the NHTSA determined to have caused the increase in traffic fatalities during the pandemic:
Aggressive Driving and Speeding
Drivers on lockdown for several months may have driven as a way of relieving themselves of pandemic-related frustrations. For some, they were caring for children and elderly loved ones, while some were stuck at home with nowhere to go.
Driving gave motorists the “safe space” they needed where they were away from people and free from restrictions.
As such, these people drove at extreme speeds and exhibited aggressive driving behavior that led to fatal accidents.
Impaired Driving
With the lockdown came an increase in the rate of alcohol consumption. Also, many people believed that law enforcement was not as serious with patrolling the streets during this time. As such, DUI accidents occurred more, making up about sixty percent of all the fatal accidents recorded during the pandemic.
Seatbelt Use
Many drivers stopped wearing their seatbelts during the pandemic, resulting in likely avoidable traffic accident deaths. The NHTSA recorded that the percentage of car accident victims who were wearing seatbelts decreased from 78 percent to 71 percent during the pandemic.
Conclusion
The Covid-19 pandemic, though alleviated, is still ongoing, and we are not yet clear on its long-term effects. However, if we judge using the past two years, the chances of the roads getting safer anytime soon are slim. attorney Russell J. Berkowitz advises drivers, “Adhere to traffic regulations, practice responsible driving behavior, and prioritize public safety as steps towards creating a safer future on the roads.”
