Because of lockdowns and a transition to remote work by most employers, there were shifts to driving habits across Michigan and throughout the nation. We are still learning what impact the pandemic will have on the safety and health of Michigan drivers and pedestrians, but we can now see certain important trends emerging. Although there was a reduction of 16.5% in driving miles due to the coronavirus, new statistics from the GHSA's Spotlight on Highway Safety show that our roadways haven't become safer for pedestrians. Here's what you should know about driving conditions in the latter half of 2020 and what we should expect moving forward in 2021 and beyond.
What's Causing the Increase in Pedestrian Accidents?
It's easy to assume that less crowded roadways lead to safer driving conditions for pedestrians. Unfortunately, pedestrian injuries and fatalities have increased, not decreased, as you'd expect. There are some common reasons why this is occurring in Michigan. Fewer vehicles on the road mean that more people are walking and biking to work. And whenever pedestrians share the same space with drivers, pedestrians are at greater risk of being involved in an accident.
People began walking more after the COVID-19 for several reasons, including getting exercise, improving their mental health, and avoiding public transportation during a health pandemic. At the same time, drivers became more negligent, with the National Safety Council reporting nearly a 15% increase in fatal car accidents since March 2020. This combination of pedestrians sharing roads, sidewalks, and paths and an uptick in dangerous driving has severe consequences, especially on those traveling by foot.
Why Is Dangerous Driving on the Rise?
The same challenges that Michigan drivers experience on the roads didn't end because of COVID-19 measures. Instead, there was an increase in rates of distracted driving, impaired driving, and reckless driving. These dangerous driving forms might be due to fewer cars being on the roads, which encourages people not to obey standard driving rules. With fewer vehicles on our highways and roads, more drivers feel comfortable breaking speed limits. Yet, as people drive recklessly, it's easy to forget the risks of driving and the damage it can cause pedestrians. Likewise, because pedestrians generally have the right of way, those on foot are also not focusing on defensive walking, which can protect pedestrians from motorists' unsafe behavior. Being aware of your surroundings is always a good method of avoiding serious injury when driving or walking along the road.
Are Certain Pedestrians More at Risk of Fatal Auto Accidents?
Back in 2019, there were 65 pedestrian deaths in the first six months of the year. Although there were fewer drivers on the roads in the first six months of 2020, we saw a total of 68 deaths in the same period. This 5% increase hasn't affected every demographic equally. The GHSA report explains how socioeconomic status, age, and even race contribute to pedestrian's risk of injury or death from motor vehicles. Over 80% of pedestrians killed were relatively young, between 21 and 24 years of age. Also, areas with higher poverty rates, where there were more pedestrians of color, seemed to suffer the most losses from reckless driving.
Distracted and unsafe driving habits have gotten worse, even after changes in Michigan's driving habits due to COVID-19 measures. It's more important than ever as a vehicular commuter to practice defensive driving techniques and limit distractions while in their vehicles. Likewise, pedestrians must also practice defensive walking to reduce the chance they're involved in a pedestrian accident that can be life-changing or even fatal.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a Michigan pedestrian accident and you'd like to know your options, contact The Michigan Law Firm, PC at 844.464.3476. We take your case seriously and will inform you about your rights under Michigan’s No-Fault auto accident laws.