A 64% decrease in traffic cases from 2019 to 2021 may seem like good news on the surface. But when reporters from The Roanoke Times dug a little deeper they discovered that the decrease in traffic cases is a result of fewer citations issued by law enforcement. Unfortunately, drivers in Roanoke are not using safer and legal driving behaviors at higher rates. In fact, the opposite appears to be true. Sadly, statistics show an increase in traffic fatalities even though traffic citations have decreased. So what gives?
Car Accident Lawyer Roanoke: Reduced Enforcement of Traffic Laws
In a perfect world, there wouldn’t be a need for traffic law enforcement. Drivers would not drive distracted, sleepy or drunk. People would adhere to speed limits and obey stoplights and signs. Weather would not impact road conditions. Manufacturers would not sell defective cars. But we know we do not live in a perfect world. Phones are a distraction when driving. City officials stated in a recent article in The Roanoke Times that, “traffic enforcement helps reduce dangerous driving and ensures the safe flow of traffic”. During the pandemic, traffic stops were curtailed due to the absence of a vaccine and protocols set forth by the CDC. After the George Floyd killing, additional restrictions were placed on how and why officers could make traffic stops. Due to low pay and low job satisfaction many officers decided to quit. The rise in violent crime in Roanoke has furthered that exodus. So, Roanoke is in a precarious position: do they send officers to handle 911 calls resulting from violent acts or do they enforce traffic laws?
Car Accident Lawyer Roanoke: Crash Deaths Reached a 14 Year High in 2021
Virginia crash statistics show that deaths resulting from a car accident increased during the pandemic. While researchers suspect that the rise in deaths can be attributed to irresponsible driving behaviors, this has not been proven. But we do know this, the roads haven’t changed and the cars have not changed. The only significant factor that has changed has been the presence of police cars, especially in cities where the police force is understaffed.
Car Accident Lawyer Roanoke: Common Causes of Traffic Related Deaths
Traffic related deaths have been linked to many dangerous driving behaviors. Speeding is the most prevalent cause of fatality-related accidents. Examples of distracted driving are: eating, drinking, using a cell phone, and day dreaming. Alcohol, Marijauna, prescription and illegal drug use are also related to people dying as a result of car collisions. Sadly, many people die due to misuse or neglecting to use safety equipment like seat belts.
Car Accident Lawyer Roanoke: The Thomson Law Firm
I call Roanoke home and I work to serve injured people in all of Virginia and West Virginia. If you have been injured in a vehicle accident that was not your fault, I encourage you to call my office for a free consultation. I want to answer your questions about how to get your medical bills paid and how to recover your lost wages. I know that I can help you with your case so that you can focus on recovering from your injuries. Call or text today 1-540-777-4900.
