As the health crisis has impacted lives in California and across the nation with adjustments to work and leisure habits, there have been fundamental and worrisome changes to other areas of life. The roads have become increasingly treacherous with a growing number of drivers flouting traffic laws and a spike in motor vehicle accidents. This is stoking concern with legislators and law enforcement. As steps are taken to reduce the frequency of accidents, people who have been injured or lost a loved one should be cognizant of the options available to them.
Enforcement blitz planned to make state roads safer
California Highway Patrol has noticed the reduction in traffic due to the health crisis and how it has been a catalyst for drivers choosing to speed. It is set to begin a campaign of enhanced enforcement to tamp down the danger. CHP says that there was a 98% rise in the number of drivers who received citations of going beyond 100 mph in 2020. In addition to the speeds at which drivers are traveling, they are also using the empty roadways as a justification to drive while distracted. These two issues are believed to be causing a troubling increase in fatal auto accidents.
The CHP notes that these kinds of crashes are called collisions instead of accidents. The difference is based on a collision being categorized as an incident that came about due to a legal violation instead of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. In 2020, the agency investigated almost 400 fatal crashes in the Valley alone. That was 18% more than in 2019. In 2021, there have been 54 fatal accident investigations by CHP. Speeding, distraction, recklessness and lack of predictability are major factors in these collisions.
The aftermath of an auto accident can cause myriad challenges
People are in jeopardy of injuries and death in motor vehicle accidents at any time, but when certain circumstances are in place, the chances of a crash worsen. That is currently true based on statistics and the efforts of law enforcement to make the roads safer. Anyone who is injured in a car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle or pedestrian accident can face physical, emotional, financial and professional problems. Losing a loved one in a fatal crash is even harder. To understand how to pursue compensation for all that was lost, it may be beneficial to consult with professionals who know the appropriate steps to take to file a claim.