The pandemic has changed a lot about how people live – and how they travel. One thing we have seen is a notable decline in car accidents. However, this seems to have also translated to an increase in fatal car accidents. This is the opposite of what many would assume. How can fatal accidents go up at the same time that accidents overall are decreasing? Keep reading to get the statistics. If you have been injured in a car accident, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 for a free legal consultation.
An Overview of the Numbers
First, consider that from March 14, 2020 to March 14, 2021, there were around 35,000 vehicle collisions. This is a 37% reduction from the previous twelve months. However, with 257 fatal vehicle accidents from the same dates, this was a 4.4% increase from the previous twelve-month period and a 7% increase from the year before that.
The Unhoused Were Significantly More Likely to Due in Vehicle Collisions in 2020-2021
It was reported that there were 45 unhoused people who died in collisions from March 14, 2020 to March 14, 2021. That is compared to just 20 in the previous year – an increase of more than 100%. This is a particularly significant number.
There Were Race and Gender Differences Amongst the Numbers
The stats showed that the number of fatalities for whites, Asians, and Latinos was down during the pandemic, but the number of Black fatalities was up 75% from the previous number of 36. Collision fatalities for men also went up more than for women. In fact, 185 men died compared to just 172 in the past twelve months, while only 61 women died in collisions compared to 67 in the previous 12 months.
Car Accidents Are One of the Leading Causes of Death
It is concerning to see fatal car accidents increase in California – especially when you consider that car accidents are the fourth leading cause of premature death in the United States. There have been many steps taken in California to reduce deaths in car accidents, but since its implementation in 2015 the main program, Vision Zero, has had little impact.
Call Us Now for a Free Legal Consultation
If you have lost a loved one in a car accident or have been injured yourself, contact The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker at 800-333-0000 to request a free legal consultation. We will start by going over the basics of the accident to determine if you have grounds for a lawsuit. If you do, and we decide to take your case, we will do so on a contingency basis that assures you do not pay us legal fees unless and until we win your case.
