The past few years have involved a number of changes in drivers’ habits. With many working from home, limiting travel and decreasing the number of shopping trips they take, many people have spent less time behind the wheel. While many still spend less time on the roadways than they did in previous years, though, this change in driving habits has not led to a decrease in serious accidents. Instead, deadly accidents have increased sharply in 2021. What should drivers know?
The first half of 2021 involved a significant increase in traffic deaths.
Across the United States, traffic accidents have taken more lives than they did in previous years. Nationwide, the United States experienced an 18.4 percent increase in traffic fatalities between January and June of 2021. Colorado is no exception to this distressing increase of deadly accidents, with fatalities increasing 12 percent in the state compared to the same period in 2020.
What is behind this increase?
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that drivers on the roadway have begun to engage in riskier behavior compared to previous years. An increased average speed for drivers—including some drivers speeding at 20 miles per hour or more over the speed limit—has led to an 11 percent increase in deaths related to speeding. Furthermore, drugs and alcohol have been involved in a higher number of accidents compared to previous years.
These dangerous conditions on Colorado roadways can put drivers and passengers alike at risk. While defensive driving can help many drivers protect themselves, accidents may still occur. Thankfully, legal options are available that can help injured people or their loved ones hold reckless drivers responsible and seek support after a serious or deadly crash.