Reckless Driving in the Time of COVID-19

In the summer of 1981, Burt Reynolds and Farrah Fawcett heated up cinema screens with the release of Cannonball Run, a movie popularizing the cross-country, underground race that started in the 70s. The idea was to see just how quickly a car could travel from New York City to Los Angeles. Now, in 2020, two more drivers have taken advantage of the pandemic-emptied roadways and have set a new cross-country record: 25 hours and 29 minutes.

Meanwhile, others are taking the empty roadways and creating their own raceways, albeit for shorter distances. The Washington Post reported back in May that many police departments are seeing a huge increase in speeding tickets, especially in the triple digits. It has also been reported that this has increased traffic accidents, too. In fact, in some places, they are seeing double the rate of fatalities from past years.

 

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO PROTECT YOURSELF?

With the increase in reckless drivers, what can those of us who are still driving places do to protect ourselves? First, be alert. It sounds simple, but in this increasingly tech driven world, between phones, touchscreens, and auto-pilot, we easily get distracted behind the wheel and may miss the car flying up behind us. Second, make sure your car is mechanically sound. This means having your brakes and lights checked. You may have to make defensive maneuvers and you want to make sure your car can do that safely.

But what happens if the unthinkable does occur and you are struck? First, you can see our other blog about what to do if you are in an accident. On that list is contacting an accident attorney such as Bruntrager & Billings, P.C. An experienced accident attorney can help you navigate the legal world of car accidents and make sure you get the coverage you need.

And on the other side of things, if you do see those flashing lights behind you, it is always best to contact an attorney who knows how to best represent you. Sometimes it can even be the difference between spending a few days in jail.

So remember, as the world adapts to this new normal, an open road is not an invitation to create your own racetrack. Slow down. Wear your mask. And if you find yourself in an accident, contact an experienced accident attorney today. To schedule a free consultation with an attorney, call our office today at 314-646-0066 or contact us online.