Alabamians are driving less, but there are more deaths on the road. How can that be?
Distracted driving may be to blame. Accident researchers say drivers are seeing fewer cars on the road and may feel they can text or check their phones more safely. They cannot.
It might surprise you just how many people were killed on American roads last year – roughly 42,000.
In the U.S., the National Safety Council says the death rate increase is the highest in nearly 100 years. Road deaths in 2020 hit 24% over the previous 12-months. This is despite driving during the pandemic was down 13%.
Surrounding states are some of the worst in the nation. Mississippi has seen an increase of 19%, and Georgia has seen 18%. Alabama’s jump was 5%.
If you are tempted to reach for the phone while driving, remember the 3 areas of distracted driving from the Centers for Disease Control.
- Visual: taking your eyes off the road
- Manual: taking your hands off the wheel
- Cognitive: taking your mind off driving
It is going to be great to get back on the road – but be careful when you get that text message. You are not on the couch anymore.
If you suffer a personal injury like an auto accident or slip and fall, you can talk to us at the Law Firm of Eiland and Ritchie for free. We want to help you get back on your feet. We are mostly working remotely but are always available.
Also, join us on NBC 15 LawCall here in Mobile every Sunday night at 10:30, right after the news. We will take your calls live. We are experimenting with new ways to do the show and still follow the CDC guidelines. You might want to see what we have come up with.
Alabama Personal Injury Lawyer