Coronavirus has changed traffic patterns. With more people working from home, there are fewer cars on the road. Surprisingly, however, this has not reduced the number of fatal accidents. Here’s a look at the unusual uptick in auto accidents during Coronavirus.
Fatal Accidents in Massachusetts
According to a Boston Globe article back in May, road traffic in Massachusetts reduced by 50% but there were more fatal accidents this year than the same timeframe last year. For example, in April of this year, there were 28 fatal accidents compared to 27 during April of last year. One would expect the opposite to be true, but many states across the country are seeing similar trends.
Reasons for Number of Auto Accidents During Coronavirus
No studies have been performed to determine any concrete reasons for the rise in fatalities, but we can take a few guesses. Could it be that with fewer cars on the road, people are driving faster? Many people have possibly gone weeks or months without driving, so perhaps they’re a little rusty on their driving skills. We’ve also seen some experts wondering if the amount of alcohol or substance abuse has gone up due to stress and depression related to Coronavirus. Any one or even all of these could be contributing factors.
Importance of Retaining Insurance Coverage
If you’ve debated whether to reduce your insurance coverage because you’re driving less often, consider the increased number of fatal auto accidents during Coronavirus. Regardless of whether you’re driving once a day or once a week, you need coverage! Don’t run the risk of not having enough coverage for a severe accident. In the end, that could be more costly to you and your family.