Avoiding Car Crashes During Pandemic Restrictions
- Home / Auto Accidents /
- Avoiding Car Crashes During Pandemic Restrictions
May 29, 2020
We know there is much less traffic on the roads because of the novel coronavirus pandemic and the resulting closure of non-essential businesses and stay-at-home orders. That should mean fewer car crashes, right?
By and large, there has been a reduction in car crashes. Unfortunately, in some places the number of deaths from car crashes has not decreased, while the number of deaths has increased in other places.
One unintended side effect of the reduction in traffic on our nation’s roadways is speeding. It becomes easier for drivers to lose their sense of how fast they are going because there is less of a need to slow down.
Below, learn more about special precautions you should take to help reduce your risk of a potentially fatal car accident. Also, learn more about why the number of serious accidents has increased over the past few months, as we have all been dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic.
Pandemic Traffic Crash Statistics
Some cities and states have seen an increase in dangerous car crashes during the pandemic. For example, in Minnesota, there were 24 crashes and 28 deaths between March 16 and April 7. There were just 12 crashes and 13 deaths in that same time the year before.
In Austin, Texas, there were 111 injuries from car crashes in March. There were just 99 injuries from car crashes in March 2019.
Meanwhile, in New York City, more motorists died between March 2 and April 8, despite less cars on the road.
In Massachusetts, the fatality rate for car crashes has gone up. That means your risk of dying in a car crash during the pandemic may be higher than it was at the same time last year.
Reasons for an Increase in Accidents
In Minnesota, dozens of drivers have been stopped for traveling over 100 mph, according to the state’s director of the Office of Traffic Safety. The number of speeding tickets issued has also gone up in Denver. The Colorado State Patrol has given out more citations for driving 20-40 miles per hour over the speed limit compared to last year.
Distracted driving may also be more prevalent during the pandemic. There is less traffic, so drivers get a false sense of security and begin to use less caution. They figure they have more time to react, so it is OK to look at their cellphones.
Driver Precautions During the Pandemic
While practicing defensive driving is always important, it is particularly important during the pandemic, as drivers may be much more reckless. Stay a safe distance away from other vehicles and take note of what the drivers around you are doing. If someone is speeding, try your best to stay away. Be particularly careful when making left turns on green lights.
Obey the speed limit and avoid distractions, such as your cellphone or the radio. Keep your eyes and mental focus on the road.
If you are tired, have someone else drive, or simply take a nap and get on the road when you feel more awake and alert.
If you do not absolutely need to drive somewhere, and you have a compromised immune system or are elderly, you should consider staying home. Those with compromised immune systems and those who are elderly are more at risk for dying if they contract COVID-19.
Injured in an Auto Accident? Our Licensed Attorneys May be Able to Help
If you suffered injuries in a car crash caused by another’s negligence, or you lost a loved one in such an accident, you should consider contacting Phillips Law Group for a free consultation. We may be able to help you seek compensation for your damages. Compensation can be a very important part of moving forward after an accident.
Our Phoenix car accident lawyers have recovered millions in compensation on behalf of auto accident victims. We do not charge for providing legal representation unless we obtain compensation for our clients. That means there is no risk to you in contacting us.
Free consultation with no obligation. Phone: 1-800-706-3000
Free Case Evaluation
By submitting your contact information, you agree that we may contact you by telephone (including text) and email in accordance with our Terms and Privacy Policy

Your message has been sent
Thank you for your message, we will get back to you soon.
-
I didn’t know anything about the area, and Phillips Law Group just took care of everything. They helped made sure I knew where I was going, made sure I didn’t have to worry. They literally just took care of me.
-
I was recently served court documents that I was being sued from an accident that happened years ago. For someone who has never been through something like this and not familiar with the court lingo or where to even begin, it was very frustrating and stressful. I reached out to a family member who knew Tracy Laskos and the great reputation of Phillips Law Group and within the hours of the initial call for help, I had a direct number to Lead Attorney Nassar. Nassar heard my case and almost instantly put me at ease by explaining the process and how easy it was to handle. Nassar spoke to me like he was a friend, not like I was a client. I am so grateful to Tracy, Nasar and of course my cousin Stephanie for helping out and giving me the direction that I needed to get through this situation. I plan on referring my friends, family and patients that are in need of a personal injury Attorney to Phillips Law Group. Thank you!!
-
PLG is the best! Highly recommend. Love that they do so much to help the community.
-
Working at Phillips Law Group has been a blessing from the beginning for me and I am extremely thankful to work for a firm that values their employees so much. Here I believe we are a huge family of hard working people that can bring a sense of comfort to our client’s lives in times of hardships, stress and chaos. From intake to Settlement we strive to provide the best customer care to all of our wonderful clients. With a 4.8 rating and over 1100+ star reviews on Google no surprise our firm is extremely well known for the quality of work we do!! #teamPLG!!
-
Sophia H is very helpful.
-
Although my accident was fortunately not a major one, The Phillips Law Group AZ treated it as such. Their staff, specifically Mr Juan Roque was very professional, courteous and most importantly very informative. Mr Roque's attentive service was phenomenal and I highly recommend this firm!
-
I just wanted to thank Phillips law Group and Vanessa Rodriguez for all the help that she did for my daughter’s case. She was involved in her first accident and she needed the help to deal with these adjusters. Thank you again.
-
Great experience! Took care of pretty much everything, and I always felt like I want in good hands. Caroline Fa. was also a great help with everything. She always returned my calls and I never felt unheard. Even after my case she would still help me with my insurance documents.
-
I would like to thank Vanessa Rodriguez for helping me with my case because I was in total shock about the accident. She had listened to all my concerns and had answered every question I had . She was great !!!
-
Thank you Phillips Law Group for all the support and back to school assistance we appreciate it.