COVID-19 Pandemic and the Increase in Fatal Car Crashes – What Happened
During the COVID-19 pandemic, traffic fatalities rose sharply: 38,680 deaths in 2020 (a 7.2% increase from 2019), 42,915 in 2021 (the highest since 2005), and 42,514 in 2022, all well above pre-pandemic levels according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The COVID-19 pandemic reshaped daily life in countless ways, including how Americans used the roadways. While fewer cars were on the road in 2020 and beyond, studies revealed an alarming surge in motor vehicle fatalities.
Riskier behaviors such as speeding, impaired driving, and decreased seatbelt use contributed to thousands of preventable tragedies across the country. The startling trend in traffic fatalities emphasizes the need to remain vigilant about driving safety.
In many cases, car accidents are preventable, but when one occurs, you need an experienced personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation. The Sorenson Law Firm will work tirelessly for you, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Increase in Fatal Car Accidents During the Pandemic: An Unsettling Trend
Car Crash Deaths 2020
Despite less traffic across the U.S., 2020 car accident deaths surged.
NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) estimated that 38,680 people were killed in crashes in 2020, which is a 7.2% rise from 2019, and reported that the fatality rate per 100 million VMT (vehicle miles traveled) climbed despite a 13.2% decrease in miles traveled [1].
Car Crash Deaths 2021
As we moved into 2021, the increase in traffic fatalities became more alarming: about 42,915 fatalities, marking a 10.5% jump from the previous year and the highest tally since 2005. This rise likely could be due to the 11.2% increase of VMT compared to 2020 [2].
Car Crash Deaths 2022
In 2022, the number of people killed held near this elevated level with 42,514 fatalities, which is a modest dip from 2021 but still far above pre-pandemic levels [3].
Factors Causing the Surge in Car Crash Deaths
While the overall data showed fewer miles traveled during the early months of the pandemic, fatalities increased instead of falling. Experts have identified a troubling mix of driving behaviors, including speeding and recklessness, that contributed to the rise.
Excessive Speeding Behind Many Fatal Crashes
One of the clearest patterns to emerge was excessive speeding. With fewer cars on the road in 2020, many drivers felt emboldened to travel at reckless speeds.
Speed was a factor in a large share of fatal crashes, with many categorized as speeding-related fatalities. The result was more people killed in traffic accidents, despite lighter congestion.
Safety officials emphasize that when speeds rise, so does the severity of serious injuries, making safe driving a critical solution to this deadly trend.
Impaired Driving Leading to Car Crash Fatalities
Another major factor has been the rise in drunk driving and other forms of impaired operation.
Alcohol and drug use increased in 2020, with more motorists engaging in alcohol-related risk-taking. This shift in behavior has been tied to stress, isolation, and worsened mental health during the pandemic.
When impairment is combined with high speeds, the likelihood of fatal crashes multiplies. Tragically, many were killed in motor vehicle accidents that could have been prevented with stronger enforcement and better awareness of safe driving practices.
Decrease in Seatbelt Use Causing Traffic Fatalities
Despite decades of progress in seatbelt compliance, the onset of the pandemic coincided with a troubling drop in usage. NHTSA’s data shows that a decrease in the number of people wearing seat belts contributed significantly to higher death counts [1].
Without this critical protection, even minor traffic crashes became more likely to cause serious injuries or fatalities.
This shift in driving behaviors points to a broader culture of riskier behavior that emerged during this period, highlighting a need for renewed emphasis on safe driving education and enforcement.
Cognitive Impairment of Those Infected
Cognitive issues in those infected with COVID-19 may have played a role, as the impaired concentration, memory lapses, and delayed reaction times associated with the illness create additional hazards on the roadway.
For some drivers, these symptoms, combined with stress, fatigue, or mental health struggles, may have contributed to deadly errors behind the wheel.
While hard to quantify, these impairments likely added to the toll of lives lost since the onset of the pandemic.
Fewer Law Enforcement Officers on the Road
During the onset of the pandemic, police resources were stretched thin, and fewer traffic stops were made. This decline in oversight meant that many drivers engaged in riskier behavior without fear of consequences.
Combined with a rise in speeding-related fatalities and alcohol-related crashes, the absence of deterrence worsened road safety. Restoring proactive enforcement proved to be a vital part of returning to pre-pandemic levels of safe driving across the country.
Populations Most Impacted
Certain groups were disproportionately impacted by the surge in traffic fatalities during the pandemic.
Black Americans experienced notably higher increases: in 2020, while total motor vehicle deaths rose about 7%, the number of black people killed in traffic crashes increased by about 23% [4].
These disparities reflect broader structural inequalities. Black and Hispanic communities often live in areas with more dangerous roadways and limited access to trauma care.
Additionally, socially underprivileged populations, such as those with lower incomes or from marginalized neighborhoods, faced heightened risk amid fewer law enforcement stops and delayed emergency response, compounding these inequities across the country.
Lessons Learned
The rise in traffic fatalities during the pandemic emphasizes the urgent need to rethink how we approach roadway safety.
One key lesson is that safe driving campaigns cannot be relaxed, even during times of crisis. In fact, moments of disruption may demand stronger outreach. Another lesson is that enforcement and infrastructure investment must remain consistent to prevent lapses that lead to tragedy.
The pandemic also highlighted the influence of mental health and societal stressors on driving behaviors, reminding us that transportation policy intersects with broader public health concerns.
Finally, equity must remain central. Since underprivileged and minority communities bore the heaviest toll, future solutions should ensure that safety improvements and resources are distributed fairly and effectively.
Is It Too Late To File a Lawsuit for a Fatal Car Crash Related to COVID-19?
Whether it is too late to pursue legal action regarding a fatal car accident depends on the statute of limitations in your state, which typically ranges from one to three years after the crash.
Families who lost a loved one to a fatal crash during the pandemic should consult an experienced attorney promptly to determine eligibility, preserve evidence, and understand options for pursuing compensation.
The Sorenson Law Firm: Personal Injury Lawyers for Arizona Residents
At The Sorenson Law Firm, we understand the overwhelming challenges families face after a serious crash or car crash death.
Our highly experienced team helps Arizona residents by thoroughly investigating accidents, handling negotiations with insurance companies, and, when necessary, pursuing litigation.
We are committed to guiding clients with compassion while fighting for the justice and compensation they deserve. Contact us today to schedule your confidential consultation.
Additional Resources
Consult these resources for more information and data on the rise of fatal car crashes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
