It’s not a secret that the number of car accidents in New York City dramatically declined in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic. The city was on lockdown and people were told only to leave their homes for necessary errands. However, a new study has found that since that initial lockdown lifted, the number of car accidents in New York City (and nationwide) has dramatically risen.
The study by The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration looked at crash data nationwide and found that in 2020 there were more fatal car accidents on the roads in The United States than there had been in any previous year as far back as 2007. This alarming spike in traffic fatalities immediately triggered warning alarms within the safety community and experts began digging deeper into the crash data they had collected.
Upon further inspection, investigators uncovered several contributing factors to this alarming increase in fatal car accidents. Instead of being more cautious after staying off the roads for weeks, Americans unleashed their reckless behavior on the roadways. Data shows that drivers involved in these fatal accidents were more likely to have:
- Consumed unsafe levels of alcohol before climbing behind the wheel
- Use illegal or recreational drugs with mind-altering effects
- Operate their vehicles at excessive, unsafe speeds
- Failed to use their safety belts
The 7.2% increase in fatal car accidents experts noticed in 2020 was even more shocking in that the average number of miles driven by automobile operators actually declined by over 13%. So, people were driving less but crashing more.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a driver exhibiting any of these reckless behaviors mentioned above, that driver is likely financially liable for your injuries and losses. But to get the compensation you deserve, you will need a car accident lawyer in New York City to win your case.
For the maximum recovery, call without any further delay the Law Offices of Nussin S. Fogel at 800-734-9338 or 212-385-1122 to speak with a member of our legal team. You’ll be glad you did.