According to the National Safety Council (NSC), the increase in the rate of 2020 motor vehicle deaths in the U.S. was the largest since 1924. This begs the question: “why?” Due to COVID-19, shops, restaurants, and businesses were closed or operating at a limited capacity. Travel was restricted. Even close friends and family refrained from seeing each other. With so many people staying at home, there were bound to be fewer cars on the road. So, why would accidents increase? Read on to learn more about 2020’s rise in traffic deaths.
What are the Statistics?
The National Safety Council has gathered the following statistics regarding traffic deaths and accidents in 2020:
- 42,060 people are estimated to have died in motor vehicle crashes in 2020.
- 4.8 million additional roadway users were estimated to have been seriously injured.
- The estimated cost of property damage to society is $474 billion.
- Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Wyoming were the only states to see a decrease in traffic deaths.
What Safety Measures Could Decrease Fatal Accidents?
The National Safety Council has created a list of safety measures to implement in order to reduce roadway fatalities:
- Mandatory ignition interlocks for convicted drunk drivers, lowering state BAC levels to .05, and better education about the nature of impairment.
- Lowering speed limits in accordance with roadway design.
- Installation and use of automated enforcement to support safe speeds and adherence to traffic lights.
- Laws banning all cell phone use, including hands-free, should be extended to all drivers. States with existing bans on cell phone use need to upgrade enforcement from secondary to primary.
- Seat belt laws should be upgraded from secondary to primary enforcement and restraint laws should extend to every passenger in every seating position, in all kinds of vehicles.
- All new drivers under 21 should adhere to a three-tiered licensing system for novice drivers
- Automated Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) that have life-saving potential should be standardized and accelerated into the fleet.
- Motorcycle helmet laws should be passed or reinstated.
- Communities and municipalities should adopt comprehensive programs for pedestrian and bicyclist safety.
What if I was Involved in a Car Accident in New Jersey?
If you have been involved in a car accident in New Jersey, you may be entitled to recover compensation. Car accidents can lead to serious, life-altering injuries. You may experience physical, financial, and emotional burdens as a result of your accident, and you may need compensation in order to successfully recover. Contact an experienced attorney to discuss your case.
Reach out to our firm to speak with a dedicated personal injury attorney today.
Contact our Experienced New Jersey Firm
If you have been injured due to the negligence of another party and wish to speak with an attorney, contact the Law Office of Christopher T. Howell, Esq. today.
