Did you know that traffic in Connecticut dropped by 50 percent at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic? Stay-at-home orders and lockdowns played a major role in this decrease, but not every traffic statistic fell. Compared to last year, traffic fatalities increased in 2020. So why are Connecticut auto accidents causing more fatalities? Our Hartford injury lawyer takes a closer look at the numbers and the efforts to curb this trend.
Has the Coronavirus Made Connecticut a More Dangerous Place to Drive?
According to studies from the National Safety Council, the U.S. saw increases in motor vehicle fatality rates in March, April and May. In Connecticut, we also experienced these increases. A report from the CT Examiner found that there were 25 more road fatalities between January and April in 2020 than in the same period in 2019. This is despite the fact that Connecticut auto accidents and traffic were significantly lower in March and April. When asked why traffic fatalities had increased, the Connecticut Department of Transportation blamed speeding.
In April of this year, 6.2 percent of drivers on I-95 in Branford were driving faster than 80 mph. Only two percent of I-95 traffic in April 2019 was driving that fast. This dangerous trend has prompted a response from officials all over the state.
How Are Authorities Planning to Reduce Auto Accident Fatalities?
Connecticut State Police started a “Do Not Speed Initiative” in May to curb these crashes. Police had reduced speeding enforcement to prevent the spread of COVID-19. However, officials released new guidance allowing officers to interact with drivers through closed windows. But some individuals do not believe traffic enforcement is enough.
Senator Tony Hwang held a town hall on traffic safety to further safety efforts. The City of Hartford is also pursuing funding to create safer traffic controls in problem areas. But these efforts come too late for those injured by the reckless actions of these speeders. For these individuals, a Hartford auto accident attorney may be their last hope for some justice.
How Can Our Hartford Auto Accident Lawyers Help?
Sustaining an injury in a Connecticut auto accident can leave you unable to work. This combined with pain and the inability to work can make pursuing compensation nearly impossible. If you need to file an injury claim, you must gather evidence, talk to witnesses and file your claim in court. Our Hartford personal injury lawyers are here to help. We help the injured recover the compensation they deserve.
At Polinsky Law Group, LLC, we work directly with our clients to help resolve their cases. You can rely on our dedication to help resolve your auto, bicycle or pedestrian accident. Your needs come first, so call us at 860-248-7807 for a free consultation.