Auto Fatalities Are on the Rise in Alabama Post Pandemic
Alabama drivers have a lot going on. They don't always think to put their seatbelts on, or they just have to text a friend or family member quickly. Doing those types of things has proven to be a deadly combination for Alabama drivers.
Before Covid, the average fatality rate in Alabama in 2019 was 930 deaths. The pandemic was declared in 2020. However, the fatality rate only rose to 934 deaths for the year.
The fatality rate from 2019 to 2022 has seen a 6 percent increase; what has changed since the pandemic? TRIP, a non-profit traffic research organization, states that drivers are distracted, not putting their seat belts on, and driving under the influence.
Alabama has seen an increase in vehicle collision fatalities; from 2020 to 2021, the fatality rate went from 934 to 983. From 2021 to 2022, the death toll rose to 989 deaths on Alabama roadways.
Alabama is not the only one affected by an increase in driver fatalities; across the nation, there has been an increase from 36,096 to 42,795 deaths ranging from 2019 to 2022. Pedestrian and bicyclist deaths accounted for over 19 percent of the nation's fatalities as well.
Another distraction that is causing an issue is the use of cell phones while driving. The Alabama State Legislature passed a bill signed into law by Governor Ivey, which has made certain activities on a cell phone illegal while driving.