PKSD Newsletter: More Deadly Accidents in 2020, Despite Less Traffic

For months during the 2020 pandemic, there was 16 percent less traffic on our roads and highways. Yet despite that fact, early reports show that the number of deadly accidents actually increased.

In this month’s PKSD newsletter, we discuss these alarming statistics, why there have been more accidents and what you should do in the minutes and hours that follow a collision involving another vehicle.

If you get injured because of another’s negligent behavior, contact our firm for a zero-cost, no-obligation legal consultation to learn how we may be able to help.

Why are There More Road Crashes in 2020?

According to Zendrive, a company that collects and analyzes driving behavior using a smartphone app, significantly more drivers engaged in risky habits on the road last year.

The report, released on December 3, 2020, is based on crash data collected from thousands of collisions from January 2020 to November 2020 and revealed some unexpected findings:

• 57 percent of all collisions involved phone use prior to impact
• 17 percent of these crashes involved phone use just five seconds prior to impact
• Approximately one out of every five collisions is due to a cellphone-related distraction

Other factors that may impact the level of injuries:

• Excessive speeding – which increased by 27 percent
• Hard braking also rose by 25 percent
• Smartphone use – while driving – was up 38 percent
• Distracted driving behavior – like texting, eating – even taking zoom meetings

How Can You Avoid a Serious Car Crash?

While it is impossible to control the behavior of other drivers, you can reduce the risk of being involved in a serious car crash by getting into the habit of driving defensively. In simple terms, this means always choosing to put safety first and staying focused on your own driving. It also means remaining aware of potential dangers around you on the road, such as swerving vehicles or drivers who fail to use turn signals.

Important Steps to Take After an Accident

If you are involved in a collision despite your best efforts, you may be unsure what to do in the next minutes and hours that follow.

During the first 10 minutes, people may feel in shock or even panic. However, it is important to stay calm while you assess the situation. Once you have determined who may be injured, including yourself, you should call 9-1-1 to get first responders to the scene as quickly as possible. Even when the situation may seem minor, having an official accident report can be helpful if you have to file a claim for damages later.

Other important initial steps include:

• Moving your vehicle out of moving traffic if possible
• Putting on your hazard lights to alert other vehicles
• Remaining polite when speaking with others
• Taking pictures – if safe to do so – of the accident scene, including vehicle damage
• Exchanging information
• Looking for potential witnesses and getting their contact details

In the first ten hours after an accident, there are additional recommended actions you should take, such as seeking immediate medical attention. We also encourage you to contact one of our knowledgeable attorneys to help you understand the legal options that may apply to your situation.

Get a Free Legal Consultation From Our Firm

At PKSD, we are committed to helping injured victims throughout the state of Wisconsin. Our Milwaukee-based car accident attorneys have extensive experience representing injured victims. We provide an opportunity for you to speak with one of our qualified attorneys in a completely free consultation to get answers to your legal questions and learn whether you may have a valid case. There is no obligation to pursue a claim using our services, but if you do, there is nothing for you to pay up front. We only collect our fees at the end of the legal process, and only if we first obtain compensation for you.

PKSD Law Group. Trusted Experience. Millions Recovered. 414-333-3333