The ongoing health crisis has drastically changed the way people live. This has been ongoing for nearly a year and people have been working from home, school has been conducted remotely, pleasure trips have been canceled and holidays are muted. Still, in Seattle, there is growing concern at the number of road fatalities in the past year. According to the statistics, 2020 saw the second highest number of auto accident deaths in Seattle over the last 10 years. Researchers are assessing why since fewer vehicles on the road would normally be expected to lower the number of fatalities.
Collisions declined, severity of injuries worsened
According to the numbers from the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), there were the fewest accidents with serious injuries since 2010. However, there were as many deaths in 2020 as 2019. Thirteen of the 24 fatalities were pedestrians. This happened even with the Vision Zero program seeking to eliminate road injuries and deaths by 2030. The statistics say that drivers are not yielding to pedestrians, are speeding with greater frequency, and are driving while distracted. This is resulting in the rise in fatal accidents.
The pandemic is being assessed as to how it is impacting traffic safety. While road congestion is a nuisance, it does serve to make the roads safer as fewer vehicles can speed when there is heavy traffic. An empty road gives drivers the freedom to drive at excessive speed and speeding is a primary catalyst for fatalities. Seattle is not alone in its concern. Philadelphia and New York noticed an uptick as well. City officials have tried to enhance pedestrian safety by giving more time when crossing the street by adjusting the way traffic lights change. Speed limits are being reduced to 25 mph on arterials. Even with that, road safety is a major worry, especially with the ongoing health challenge.
Legal assistance may be vital after a fatal auto crash
When there is a motor vehicle accident, the circumstances as to how and why it happened must be analyzed. This can be crucial for people who are considering a legal filing to be compensated. Medical costs, lost income, lost companionship, pain and suffering and more will likely come to the forefront as people come to grips with the unexpected death. Considering how driver negligence and recklessness contributed to the accident can be essential. For help in pursuing compensation after fatal motor vehicle accidents, a firm with experience on personal injury claims might be able to help.