WE WERE MAKING PROGRESS…THEN…2020

Making progress on what you may ask?

After a string of successive years where traffic fatalities were on the decline, along comes 2020. Early returns appear to indicate that deaths due to traffic accidents rose by about 4 percent in 2020 compared to 2019. This, despite the fact that vehicle usage, or road miles driven, declined 14 percent for the year. With many working at home, and limiting trips to usual stops, most people simply were not on the road nearly as much as in prior years.

I can only speculate on the reasons why there are now more serious accidents.  Here’s my take on the situation:

• It may be that with fewer vehicles on the road, some may feel they can speed/weave between lanes
• The police may be hesitant to pull people over
• Venting of frustrations may present themselves through aggressive behaviors

I have no hard facts to back my observations, but I am seeing extreme speeding every time I’m on the road. Let’s be aware of the serious implications and ask ourselves what we can do. We can be more attentive and aware of surroundings while elevating our defensive driving skills. We can talk openly with family and friends about the trend and  encourage them to be more cautious.

The major contributors to road deaths remain: speeding, impairment, and distractions. Let’s each of us do what we can to drive responsibly and be vigilant.

Paul Pinchak
Consultant
610-478-8660
ppinchak@bfwrestorations.com
1145 Commons Blvd., Reading, PA 19605
www.bfwrestorations.com