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Traffic deaths increased in 2020, despite fewer drivers

On Behalf of | Aug 18, 2021 | Personal Injury |

The year 2020 saw many people working from home. Offices were closed, children stayed home from schools and many bars and restaurants temporarily shut down. Simply put, many people in Warrenton were not driving daily as they had in the past. You would think that traffic deaths would decrease in these circumstances. Statistics show, however, that this was not the case.

While the number of motorists decreased in 2020, road fatalities went up

In 2020, fewer motorists took to the roads of Virginia. Despite that, the number of traffic deaths went up. Specifically, the number of fatal car accidents went up 3% to 847 fatalities. In 2019, that number sat at 827 fatalities.

Speed-related traffic deaths also saw an uptick in 2020. In that year, 406 traffic deaths took place in Virginia. This is a 16% uptick from the number of speed-related traffic fatalities reported in 2019. Fatal large truck accidents went up 25% from 52 in 2019 to 65 in 2020. In addition, drunk driving fatalities also went up 3% in 2020. In 2020, there were 272 alcohol-related traffic fatalities in Virginia. In 2019, that number sat at 264. On a more positive note, 2020 saw a significant downturn in the number of fatal construction zone crashes and fatal crashes between automobiles and bicyclists.

Why the uptick in fatal crashes?

It remains to be seen why the number of fatal accidents went up in 2020. Virginia statistics mirror U.S. statistics; everywhere it seems fatal crashes rose in 2020. Some experts say that with fewer cars on the road, those who were driving were more apt to take risks such as speeding and driving while intoxicated.

Wrongful death claims can bring closure

It is not easy to lose a loved one under any circumstances. Losing a loved one in a fatal car crash is especially devastating. If you lose a loved one in a motor vehicle accident caused by a negligent driver, you may want to determine if you can pursue a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death claim is one way to seek compensation for the financial damages you suffered and obtain a sense that justice has been done.