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Surge of Traffic Fatalities in the Wake of the Pandemic—with No Sign of Slowing

October 12, 2022 by Michael Waks

first responders at crash

Losing a loved one is never easy, but coping with a death can be especially challenging if it could have been prevented. Sadly, this is the reality that tens of thousands of families across the country must face every year because of traffic fatalities. What’s worse, this figure keeps rising.    

According to the Los Angeles Times, the pandemic brought with it a surge of motor vehicle deaths. In 2021, there were almost 43,000 traffic fatalities across the United States, which represents a 10.5 percent increase from 2020. 

As for 2022, there were roughly 9,560 motor vehicle deaths during the first three months alone, according to preliminary data. That time period does not include some of the most dangerous holidays for driving, like Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas, so it’s reasonable to assume other quarters are going to see even more traffic fatalities. 

Experts believe motor vehicle deaths are on the rise because risky behaviors skyrocketed during the pandemic. When normal life ground to a halt, boredom took over, and people became inclined to do more reckless activities, like speeding and driving under the influence. 

Ironically, that meant the number of deadly crashes increased, even as the number of vehicles on the roads were decreasing. Experts hoped the trend was temporary, but over the last year, it’s become clear that it’s not. 

As for those in Los Angeles County, there’s one intersection in particular that’s been especially problematic. Where La Brea and Slauson avenues meet, there have been 48 crashes alone since last year. Roughly 1 out of 3 of these collisions have been attributed to speeding. Other factors include distracted driving and street racing. 

Another intersection that’s incredibly hazardous lies where the 710 Freeway and Rosecrans Avenue meet. Considered the deadliest corner in Los Angeles County, this intersection has seen seven fatal crashes between 2011 and 2021. A preliminary review of the data does not indicate how many people died in those accidents. 

Most recently, however, a collision killing five, including a pregnant woman, occurred at the La Brea intersection mentioned above. A 37-year-old woman allegedly ran a red light while traveling at more than 90 mph and careened into multiple vehicles. 

Naturally, those in the community are frightened, and merely driving down the streets in question can be stressful. L.A. County Supervisor Holly Mitchell has been working with the Department of Public Works to add speed bumps in the hopes of mitigating the danger. She expects them to be installed by the end of the year, but admits it’s only a start. 

Speak with a Long Beach Wrongful Death Attorney 

Your Injuries Are Personal to Me 

Did you lose a loved one to a drunk, drowsy, or distracted driver? For compassionate representation, turn to the Law Office of Michael D. Waks. 

Attorney Waks personally handles every case he takes on, so you can be sure your claim will be in good hands. You can also count on getting personalized and attentive counsel every step of the way. Call (562) 206-1939 or submit our Contact Form to schedule a free initial consultation with a wrongful death lawyer in Long Beach.

Print Our Car Crash Emergency Response .PDF

Should you ever find yourself in a collision, it’s wise to record the scene before leaving the area. This will allow you to put together the strongest claim possible. To ensure you always have a handy checklist with instructions for doing just that, download our Car Crash Emergency Response .pdf and print copies to store in the glove box of each of your vehicles. Download it HERE for free. 

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Michael Waks
Michael Waks
Michael Waks is an aggressive advocate for people who have suffered because of someone else’s actions. Michael decided to become a personal injury lawyer when, while clerking at a legal defense firm during law school, he witnessed and was infuriated by asbestos manufacturers spending millions to avoid taking responsibility for the egregious injuries they caused. Immediately after passing the bar, Michael opened his own firm in Long Beach, CA to help the victims of personal injury accidents get every benefit owed them under the law.
Michael Waks
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Michael represented me in a personal injury case and I can’t recommend him enough. From the very first consultation he made sure that I was always aware of my options and up to speed with every aspect of my case. He answered all my questions and used his experience and expertise to help guide my decisions instead of trying to make them all for me. He not only ensured that the settlement I received was more than enough to cover all my bills and expenses but he also made sure I had piece of mind and would be taken care of going forward.

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