Car Accident Fatalities Rise in 2021
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently reported that the number of fatal traffic accidents in the first half of 2021 rose 18.4% compared to 2020. An estimated 20,160 people died in car, truck and motorcycle crashes from January to June 2021 — the largest number of projected fatalities in that time period in 15 years. If the trend continues, the U.S. will have more than 40,000 traffic deaths this year.
Last year, government data showed that throughout COVID-19, Americans drove less but engaged in riskier behavior on the road. Public health experts say the sudden rise in deaths on the road is linked to a pandemic, as reckless behavior is likely the combination of of increased drug and alcohol use, lack of safety constraints (like seat belts and texting), and greater opportunities for speeding and reckless driving, given still fewer cars on the road.
This year, the death tolls have increased coming out of the pandemic with the economy reopening and more vehicles on the road, traveling more miles.
Public officials have declared the situation a crisis, calling for a crackdown on speeding and people who refuse to wear seat belts, as well as more education on distracted driving and the safety implications of texting while driving.
If you or a loved one has sustained a serious injury, a car accident lawyer can help. It is important to consult with a personal injury attorney early to investigate your options, and preserve crucial evidence. For assistance with these matters, please contact us to learn more.
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About the author: Peter J. Gregory is a partner with the firm. He is a trial lawyer with extensive experience resolving disputes in state and federal trial courts. His personal injury practice focuses on advising clients who have been injured or lost loved ones in accidents caused by the carelessness or recklessness of others. Please feel free to contact him directly at pgregory@mccmlaw.com or (585) 512-3506.
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McConville Considine Cooman & Morin, P.C. is a full-service law firm based in Rochester, New York, providing high-quality legal services to businesses and individuals since 1979. With over a dozen attorneys and a full paralegal support staff, the firm is well-positioned to right-size services tailored to each client. We are large enough to provide expertise in a broad range of practice areas, yet small enough to devote prompt, personal attention to our clients.
We represent a diverse range of clients located throughout New York State and New England. They include individuals, numerous manufacturing and service industry businesses, local governments, and health care professionals, provider groups, facilities and associations. We also serve as local counsel to out-of-state clients and their attorneys who have litigation pending in Western New York courts. For more information, please contact us at 585.546.2500.