Although traffic decreased across the country as people sheltered in place during the first few months of the COVID pandemic, dangerous car crashes increased as the temptation of the open road enticed people to forget safe driving habits. There were more unbelted and speed-related crashes—including crash fatalities—in many locations, including Virginia. 
Emptier Streets May Lead to Disregard of Traffic Safety Laws
According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, without traffic jams to keep people from speeding, there has been an uptick in drivers across the country ignoring posted speed limits and failing to buckle up.
The temporary stay-at-home order due to the coronavirus was in effect in Virginia from March 30, 2020, to June 10, 2020, limiting trips outside the home for essential services only.
The Virginia Department of Transportation reports that there were fewer vehicles on the road during the stay-at-home orders, resulting in a 45% decrease in the number of crashes. However, the accidents that have occurred have been more serious. The number of fatalities involving high speed and unrestrained drivers increased by 78% over the same time period last year.
Many states, including Virginia, also report a disturbing increase in the number of drivers cited for going 100 miles per hour or more. These high-speed crashes can cause devastating injuries for the drivers involved, often resulting in the injured taking a hospital bed that might be needed for a COVID patient.
Contact a Virginia Car Accident Attorney
If you were injured or lost a loved one in a car crash during stay-at-home orders because of COVID, give us a call to make an appointment for a free, no-obligation consultation. We can go over the details of the accident and injuries and help you negotiate a fair settlement. Even when another driver’s negligence caused the accident, a legal recovery is not automatic. Insurance companies will do what they can to pay you the least amount of money in a settlement. You need an experienced car accident lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve.
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