The last thing anybody wants or expects is that they are going to get a ticket when they are out driving. Tickets are sometimes warranted, but other times some people wonder why they even got a ticket in the first place. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the total number of crashes across Virginia has gone down. However, there has been an uptick in speeding-related crashes and crashes involving those not wearing their seatbelts.
Across the United States, there were reports of traffic dropping by as much as 70% during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This decrease in traffic was due to the stay at home orders that were implemented in most states across the country. However, many areas in the country reported an increase in speeding, reckless driving, and fatal accidents, even in the midst of stay at home orders. Data from Virginia shows similar findings.
According to the Virginia Department of Transportation, the total number of crashes in the Commonwealth has been reduced during the pandemic. However, there has been an increase in unbelted and speed-related crashes. Crash fatalities have also increased, according to the Virginia DOT.
State officials say that these incidents have been caused by fewer cars being on the road. “Fewer vehicles on the road during the COVID-19 crisis have contributed to a 45% decrease in all crashes,” said Secretary of Transportation Shannon Valentine. “But it is of great concern to see that the number of fatalities involving both speed and unrestrained travelers has increased by 78% during this time period compared to 2019. We are urging all motorists to drive the posted speed limit and wear seat belts.”
At Randall, Page & Bruch, P.C., this alarming trend leads to two areas that we talk about regularly – traffic tickets and personal injury cases arising from car accidents. We want everybody on the roadways in Virginia to remain safe. We encourage all drivers to wear their seatbelts and operate at or below the speed limit to avoid receiving any traffic tickets that could lead to major fines or points against their license.
More importantly, we want you to remain safe on the roadways. With the data showing that more people are speeding and that traffic fatalities are increasing, please practice defensive driving as you head out on the roadways this summer. In particular, we want you to watch out for pedestrians and bicyclists who may have become accustomed to having less vehicle traffic on the roadway.
If you or somebody you love has received a traffic ticket in Courtland, Suffolk, Emporia for the surrounding areas, you may need to seek assistance from an attorney. At Randall, Page & Bruch, P.C., our dedicated team has vast experience helping clients get their tickets reduced or dismissed altogether. Handling the situation alone could lead to significant points in your license as well as massive fines. When you need a traffic ticket attorney in Virginia, you can contact us for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or by calling one of our location phone numbers listed below.
