The injuries from a motor vehicle accident can be extensive and sometimes fatal. But it was during the pandemic when collisions not only became more frequent, but more dangerous as well.
A couple of years have passed since the onset of COVID-19, but has the situation improved?
New fatal crash data
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recently published a new report which gives preliminary estimates of fatal motor vehicle collisions in 2022. The report found that in 2022, 42,795 people died in motor traffic collisions. This is a decrease from 2021’s 42,939 deaths.
NHTSA also estimated that 27 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico would see a year-over-year decrease in motor vehicle collision fatalities.
Rate of fatal car crashes in Virginia
Unfortunately for Virginia, the state was one of the remaining 23 that saw its motor vehicle accident-related deaths increase. NHTSA said that the state in 2022 saw 996 motor vehicle accident deaths, a 2.4% increase from 2021’s 973. That the state still manages to hit a fatality count in the 900 range is a cause for concern.
What is causing these crashes?
During the pandemic, it was noted that the three leading causes of fatal vehicle crashes were speeding, driving under the influence and not using a seatbelt. These three are still significant factors in motor vehicle accidents today, but now with the addition of distracted driving. The risk of distracted driving is growing at an alarming rate, and even the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have said that nine people in the U.S. die each day in crashes involving a distracted driver.
Holding at-fault drivers responsible
In conclusion, reckless driving behavior continues to be a driving factor in fatal motor vehicle collisions. The number of deaths may have decreased nationally and in some states, but other regions struggle with traffic and driving safety.
Because the top causes of fatal car crashes are behavioral, the families of fatal crash victims should consider hiring an attorney who can aid them in holding the at-fault driver responsible and recovering compensation.