The average person drove significantly less during 2020, and yet traffic fatalities actually increased. So what was behind the shocking increase? According to experts, reckless driving is fueling the rise in fatal accidents. Anyone who has had to navigate Kentucky’s roadways has probably had the unnerving experience of traveling near a negligent or reckless driver, and understands just how terrifying it can be.
Tens of thousands of deaths
There were approximately 38,680 traffic fatalities in 2020, making it the deadliest year since 2007. Road safety experts initially believed that drivers were being more reckless because fewer drivers meant more open roads. The thought was that as traffic returned to normal, so would safety levels. Unfortunately this is not the case, and in 2021 drivers are more likely to engage in unsafe driving habits such as:
- Speeding
- Drinking and driving
- Texting and driving
- Not wearing seatbelts
There are several factors that might be at play here. Alcohol sales have drastically increased over the last year, meaning that people are not just drinking and driving more, they are drinking more in general. Some drivers might also be acting recklessly behind the wheel on purpose as a type of rebellion against safety restrictions.
Every driver and passenger who travels on a Kentucky roadway deserves to feel safe. Unfortunately, negligent and reckless drivers create an environment in which people are at risk for serious injury or even death. While nothing can undo the harm created by fatal accidents, surviving family members may choose to pursue compensation on behalf of their loved one’s estate. Compensation secured through a wrongful death claim can be essential for dealing with related damages, including unexpected funeral expenses.
