Auto Accident Deaths Soar In The 1st Half Of 2021

In the first half of 2020 auto accident deaths rose even as traffic on roads decreased due to pandemic lockdowns.  As pandemic lockdowns eased in the first half of 2021 deaths from auto accidents increased at the most significant rate since the U.S. Department of Transportation began recording the statistics in 1975.

As of the first six months of 2021 the U.S. reported an increase of 18% in auto accident deaths over the same time the previous year.  This is a staggering increase that continues to worry road safety experts who are encouraging the government to label this increase as a public health crisis.

The 20,160 total traffic deaths that were reported at the start of 2021 is the highest number reported since the first half of 2006.  This increase in deaths is being attributed to an increase in risky behaviors by drivers who have been more reckless since their return to the roads once lockdowns began to ease.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation) reported that the increase in fatal accidents was a result of drivers not wearing their seatbelts more frequently then in past years and a fatal increase in excessive speeding on U.S. roads.

There are some things that the Department of Transportation can do to try to stem the tide of this overwhelming increase like public service campaigns and clearing a backlog of safety regulations that have yet to be implemented, but ultimately to see an improvement in these numbers drivers will have to return to their pre-pandemic driving habits when seatbelt wearing and excessive speeding were less likely to be problems.

You can do your part and avoid a Connecticut auto accident by obeying all posted speed limits, making sure you are driving with a seatbelt fastened, avoiding distractions such as cell phones and eating while driving, and do not drive while under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, or prescription drugs.

If you or a loved one have experienced an accident that caused you an injury or worse, you may need to speak with an attorney to work with you to protect your long-term interests.  One of our attorneys can be reached to review your case.