In 2020, African Americans represented the largest increase in traffic deaths over any other racial group. Americans drove less overall due to the pandemic, but the number of fatalities suffered by African Americans involved in crashes was up 23 percent from 2019.
From 2010-2019, African Americans are far more likely to face traffic-related injuries. And African American pedestrians are 82 percent more likely to be hit by drivers according to Smart Growth American, a Washington, D.C.-based urban development advocacy group.
Likely Causes of These Disproportionate Death Rates
According to critics, lagging infrastructure, poorer urban roads, and fewer sidewalks in low-income areas are among the causes for this disproportionality. Calvin Gladney, the president of Smart Growth America, has stated that efforts like the proposed American Jobs Plan, which includes efforts to make public transportation more accessible and to improve road safety, and the 2021 Complete Streets Act, which addresses public road safety for multiple modes of travel, can help to stem these alarming statistics.
For those of us in Hamilton, Ohio, the NHTSA noted that the proportion of fatalities in rural areas increased in 5 of the 10 months from March to December 2020. Speed, lighting, and other factors likely explain that uptick and are factors we should be taking into account as we drive Butler County roadways.
Of note, the proportion of fatalities occurring at nighttime and on the weekend increased in most months from March to December. Drivers should keep that in mind when deciding when to run errands or travel for pleasure.
Trends in Truck Accidents
Interestingly, the percentage of total fatalities in crashes involving at least one large truck with gross vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds decreased in most months from March to December 2020 and by 2 percent from 2019 to 2020. We shall see whether that positive statistical trend continues as more people are driving with pandemic restrictions being lifted.
Trends in Motorcycle Accidents
Unfortunately, the total projected motorcyclist fatalities increased by 9 percent from 2019 to 2020. Motorcyclists in Hamilton, Ohio are certainly well aware of the tendency for other drivers to ignore or inadvertently overlook them as a vehicular group. Motorcyclists can consult our previous blogs for suggested safe driving behaviors.
Looking for a Vehicle Accident Attorney?
While The Richards Firm would prefer that vehicular accidents did not occur, we understand that’s unrealistic. The Richards Firm is prepared to handle all of your personal injury needs, including motor vehicle accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and wrongful deaths resulting from those accidents. We also help people injured by dog bites, products liability, premises liability, and nursing home negligence cases.
We are vehicle accident attorneys in Hamilton, Ohio who will provide you with a proven approach that will give you the answers that you need and achieve the results to which you are entitled. Call Rhys for advice on your legal matter.
We can be reached at 513-868-2731, ext. 219 or visit us at richardsinjuryfirm.com. Follow The Richards Firm on Facebook (@TheRichardsFirm) or on Twitter (@FirmRichards).
