The coronavirus pandemic has led to fewer cars on Treasure Coast roadways, making more room for speeders and reckless drivers.
At the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic, five cars were racing on I-95 in Port St. Lucie and ticketed for going 120 mph. In the months that followed, a motorcycle going at least 80 mph in a 35 mph zone struck a bicyclist, killing both individuals.
Are these isolated incidents? Hardly. In fact, it’s just two examples on a long list of documented instances illustrating how dramatically driver behavior has shifted since the coronavirus was declared a public health emergency in March 2020.
While fewer Treasure Coast residents have been on the roads in the last 12 months, the number of fatal crashes has increased by 20% since the pandemic started.
Why fatal car accidents in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, and Vero Beach are increasing
The pandemic has led to fewer vehicles on Treasure Coast roadways
- The number of vehicles on Treasure Coast roadways has dramatically decreased during the pandemic. An independent study found that traffic across Florida has dropped by approximately 47.5% since March 2020.
- A report by TCPalm found that traffic on the Treasure Coast has been significantly reduced due to a high number of senior citizens remaining at home, more people working remotely, less school traffic, and overall population concern about contracting covid-19 in social situations.
With fewer vehicles on Treasure Coast roadways, drivers in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, and Vero Beach are making more dangerous, risky decisions
- Since March 2020, distracted driving rates have significantly increased. A study conducted by Zendrive found that 57% of all car accidents during the pandemic involved phone use at least 5 seconds before impact.
- Driving under the influence has also increased since the beginning of the pandemic. Between March 2020 and December 2020, over 65% of seriously or fatally injured drivers tested positive for at least one active drug, including alcohol, opioids, or cannabis. (Numerous studies show that drug and alcohol consumption has skyrocketed during the coronavirus pandemic).
- But of all bad traffic behaviors, speeding has been the most common violation. Across the country, average speeds increased by as much as 250%.
Car accidents in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, and Vero Beach are becoming more fatal
Between January 2019 and December 2020, the total number of car accidents in Florida decreased by a whopping 401,516 crashes. This is directly correlated to the coronavirus pandemic. With strict stay-at-home orders, lots of people working remotely, and a high senior population forced to remain isolated, car accidents in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, and Vero Beach have decreased.
However, while car accidents in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, and Vero Beach have become less frequent, they have also become more fatal. In fact, 2020 had one of the highest rates of fatal car accidents in the last decade.
- In 2020, 3,286 people in Florida died in car accidents—nearly a 5% increase over 2019.
- In Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, and Vero Beach, traffic fatalities spiked 13.1% during the summer months (July – September 2020).
If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach, or Okeechobee, help is one phone call away.
Call Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd right now at 866-930-6435
Grief. Anger. Confusion. Hopelessness. If you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident, words can’t begin to describe the emotions and distress that you are feeling during this time.
At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, we try to alleviate some of your burden. While the last thing you are thinking about is the legal process, it’s extremely important to contact an experienced wrongful death attorney right away if you have lost a loved one in a fatal car accident in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach or Okeechobee. The sooner you retain legal representation, the better your chances of obtaining a settlement amount that will cover medical expenses, lost wages and income, and compensation for loss of life and future security.
For over 40 years, the wrongful death attorneys at Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd have successfully represented hundreds of families who have lost loved ones in fatal car accidents in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach and Okeechobee. We are known for our compassion, attentiveness, expertise, and willingness to go head-to-head with opposing counsel and take cases to trial. In fact, senior partner and Board Certified Civil Trial Attorney Steve Hoskins alone has won over $500 million for his clients and their families, a testament to our firm’s experience, resources, and outstanding track record.
If you lost a loved one in a fatal car accident in Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Vero Beach or Okeechobee, we’re here to help.
Call Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd right now at 866-930-6435
Call us at 866-930-6435 to learn more about how we can help you and your family. We offer FREE, no-obligation consultations to everyone. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will meet with you, either in-person, on the phone, or via video conferencing, to talk to you about your legal options and answer any questions you may have.
Don’t wait. Call 866-930-6435 now. We’re available 24/7.