As we’ve mentioned before, 2020 was a year that saw a sharp rise in Connecticut auto accidents that led to fatalities. Despite significantly lower traffic due to the pandemic, fatalities were up. Now we have data that puts the problem into perspective on a national scale.
The National Highway Safety Administration conducted a survey that found that the steep increase in auto accident fatalities in the state of Connecticut was a problem nationwide. The problem persisted throughout the country, but Connecticut was near the top of the list as the increase in traffic fatalities was the 5th highest in the entire country. Connecticut was only behind the following states in increases;
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South Dakota
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Vermont
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Arkansas
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Rhode Island
The overwhelming reason for the 22% increase in Connecticut was excessive speed which the study found increased dramatically due to roads that were free from congestion due to the lockdowns.
In 2020, fatalities rose throughout the country with the National Safety Council estimating that 42,060 people died on roads throughout the United States. While this number is concerning, experts believe that this is only a temporary increase and the numbers will return to something resembling normal in the years to come.
With congestion increasing in the state of Connecticut as people return to a more “normal” sense of driving on our roads excessive speeding is likely to decline and if history is any indicator the number of fatalities as a result of a Connecticut auto accident will also decline in the coming months and years.
If you or a loved one were injured in an accident as a result of excessive speeding you may need an experienced attorney to review your case. Contact our office and one of our attorneys will work to ensure your long-term interests are protected.
