Arizona Traffic deaths in 2021 reached their highest level in 15 years. Experts blame the increase in part on bad driving habits made worse during the pandemic. “We have had more fatalities because there are more people driving faster. Speed is a major, major factor” that only got worse during the pandemic said Alberto Gutier, Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Highway Safety. Alberto went on to say “people are not following the rules of the road and putting themselves and others in danger.”
Nationwide almost 44,000 people died on the highway in 2021, an average of 117 lives lost per day according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The president of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) said he was “disappointed but not surprised” by the numbers. He went on to say that poor driving behavior aggravated by the pandemic in 2020 is still affecting traffic fatalities in 2021. In 2020 the lockdown emptied the highways of traffic and drivers got away from normal, safe driving habits and that led to increased fatal accident involving alcohol and less frequent seatbelt use.
It was interesting to note the report failed to mention the rise in distracted driving and the role that plays in the increase. Arizona passed the law making it illegal to use your handheld device in 2019 and began actual enforcement on January 1, 2021. The next time you are waiting at a stop light look around and notice how many drivers are “just checking” their phone. If you pay even closer attention, you will frequently see school aged children in the car learning that it’s ok to do this. It’s only a small jump from checking your phone at a stoplight to checking it while doing 75 mph on the freeway. Let’s work hard and keep each other alive!
The foundation of my law firm is integrity, honesty and compassion. I have over 20 years of experience helping Tucson families who are injured because of the careless and reckless acts of others. I help with serious injuries that require serious representation. I am a vigorous advocate for my clients, protect their rights and give them a voice in the court room. Call Tammy Carter Law 24/7/365 at 520-333-7737.