4 Ways to Protect Yourself Behind the Wheel Amid Spike In Car Crashes

 Posted on June 23, 2020 in Car Accident

Even though lockdowns and quarantines as a response to the coronavirus pandemic have kept many Coloradoans off the roads, the number of driving citations issued by law enforcement for speeding has not reflected this change. In fact, traffic tickets issued by police for exceeding the speed limit have actually increased with the implementation of statewide isolation orders.

While fewer people are currently on the road, incidents of reckless driving have paradoxically increased, according to the Denver-based news agency, FOX31. Not only do they report a rise in the number of speeding citations issued since 2019, but the number of car accidents has also spiked. The Colorado State Patrol (CSP) reported 6,550 car accidents in the first four months of 2019. Just one year later, this number skyrocketed to approximately 9,600 crashes in the same amount of time — a 70 percent increase in one year.

How You Can Protect Yourself

As restrictions begin to ease and lockdown orders come to an end, the roads will gradually begin to fill again. Since many drivers have not been on the roads for the past few months, there will be even more opportunities to get caught in an automobile accident. Cultivating strong, defensive driving habits now may keep you and your family safe even as the rate of accidents grows.

1. Ditch distracted driving – Many drivers engage in risky, distracting behaviors from time to time, such as texting, eating, applying makeup, and more. Reduce your risk of a car accident by cutting out these behaviors and keeping your eyes on the road.
2. Exercise caution in inclement weather – While it is always important to obey posted speed limits and other restrictions, it is even more so during adverse weather conditions. Reduce speed and pay attention to the posted signage during rain, snow, and storms regardless of the number of cars on the road.
3. Do not rely on other drivers – You may encounter inexperienced, distracted, or even inebriated drivers on the road. It is dangerous to assume others will react to a situation in the same way you would, or the way you would want them to, so instead focus on how to keep yourself safe and on track.
4. Plan your route – Begin your defensive driving routine before ever leaving the house by planning out the route to your destinations. This will allow you to focus on the road rather than maps or GPS to find your destination. 

Contact a Larimer County Car Accident Attorney

By their very nature, car accidents are unpredictable — a driver who practices excellent defensive driving habits may still be struck and injured by a driver who was acting negligently. If you or someone you know is faced with injuries resulting from an automobile collision, a Fort Collins personal injury attorney can help you determine a strategy to collect the compensation you deserve. Contact Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., today at 970-225-2190 to have your claim examined by our seasoned legal team.

Sources:

https://kdvr.com/news/coronavirus/csp-data-fewer-cars-more-speeding-tickets-and-crashes-on-colorado-roads-during-pandemic/