COVID-19: Drop in traffic prompts rise in risky driving
The number of car crashes is indeed plummeting due to lower traffic volumes on American roads, but the rate of car crashes is actually up in many cities — as are the injury and fatality rates for both drivers and vulnerable users.
Evidence is beginning to emerge that absent traffic jams during the coronavirus crisis, many drivers are getting more reckless. And because speed is the number one predictor of crash severity, the proportion of people dying per collision is on the rise in many communities. In fact, a new National Safety Council report finds that the number of motor vehicle fatalities per miles driven increased by 14% compared with the March 2019 rate. The total number of motor-vehicle-related deaths dropped by 8% in March of this year compared with March 2019, but the number of miles driven dropped by over 18%, because of myriad COVID-19 related impacts.
Whether you’re driving back to work or hitting the open road to get some fresh air and a change of scenery, here are a few tips to keep your family safe on the road.
Keep your cool
Whether you know it or not, your kids watch you and often mimic your behaviors – including how you drive. So, if you’re running behind and under a lot of pressure, remember to stay calm on the road (even if those around you aren’t), obey the laws, and be courteous to other drivers. This is especially important if you have pre-teens or teenage children, as they will take those lessons and use them when they’re behind the wheel.
Buckle Up
This is one of the best ways to stay safe if you’re in an accident. After all, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, seat belts saved an estimated 14,668 lives in 2016 and could have saved an additional 2,456 lives if everyone in the car had buckled up.
Pay Attention
Distracted driving is one of the easiest ways to get into trouble on the road. So, keep your attention where it needs to be – on the road and the cars around you. If you’ve got a teen driver in the family, make sure he or she follows these suggestions too:
If you stop for food or drinks, eat it there or in your vehicle instead of eating while you drive.
Keep the radio down so you can hear what’s going on around you – and only change the station when you’re stopped.
If others in the car are loud or misbehaving, don’t turn around to engage or reprimand them. Pull over to a safe location to handle the situation.
Do not use your cell phone – and use text blockers that notify people who send you texts that you can’t respond right away.
Limit your participation in conversations to a minimum, especially during heavy traffic or adverse weather.
Do not drive unless you are fully awake
If you need an extra cup of coffee to really wake up, drink that before you get behind the wheel. Be mindful that certain medications and drinking alcohol can make you sleepy, so arrange for a designated driver. If you have teenage drivers, stress the importance of being fully awake and aware when you’re driving – all the time, every time.
Obey the speed limit
At Northwest Women’s Injury Law, we know that accidents happen, even to the most cautious drivers. If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident with a careless or distracted driver, call us today (425) 818-5331. We serve clients throughout Western Washington, including Seattle, Lynnwood, Bellevue, Everett, and Tacoma.