One unanticipated side effect of the coronavirus is that it greatly reduced the number of car accident fatalities in New York as compared to this time last year.
The New York DMV reports that in New York City there were 66,554 in 2014. This equates to, on average, 5,546 accidents each month. During the height of the coronavirus lockdown, during the month of April, however, the New York Police Department reports that there were only 4,037 in New York City.
Now that COVID-19 isolation orders are being phased out and New York City prepares to resume operations again, it is likely that there will be a sudden and troublesome increase of car accidents that occur in New York City and the surrounding areas.
Will Summer 2020 Result in Increased Car Accident Fatalities?
The summer often sees an increase in car accidents. For one, more people travel in the summer. There are also several holidays (Memorial Day, the Fourth of July, and Labor Day) that frequently lead to more accidents due to a combination of alcohol as part of the celebration and an increased number of vehicles on the road. Consequently, it should come as no surprise that the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that the most traffic accidents per day occur in July and August.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety has even gone so far as to title the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day as the “100 Deadliest Days.” As states reopen for business following the coronavirus closures that occurred this spring, an increase in drivers will occur during a time when traffic injuries and fatalities are already historically high.
Will a Re-Opened Economy Contribute to Increased Car Accidents?
While most of us hope that the United States will recover quickly from the devastating nature of COVID-19, this might unfortunately raise the number of motor vehicle accidents. After all, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety reports that people drive more often. This increase in economic conditions can consequently end up having an impact on both the number of car accidents and fatality rates.
Unfortunately, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also reports that improved economic conditions also influence how often and how badly people speed. To make matters worse, the Governors Highway Safety Association reports that many states have already seen an increase in speeding despite the prevalence of stay-at-home orders.
Consequently, while we all hope for as quick a return to ‘normal’ as possible after the shut-down, there is a likelihood that a re-opened and reinvigorated economy will have the tragic consequence of increasing the number of car accidents.
Speak with an Experienced Car Accident Attorney in Long Island
Even if you attempt to drive as safely as possible, accidents can still occur. No matter how your New York car accident occurs, one of the best first steps that you can take is to speak with a knowledgeable Long Island accident attorney. Contact The Law Offices of Cohen & Jaffe LLP today to schedule a free case evaluation. If you’re unable to come to us, we will come to you!
For a free legal consultation, call 516-358-6900
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