Traffic Down, Reckless Driving UpWASHINGTON, D.C. — As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic stay-at-home orders, there is far less traffic on the roads than there would be typically. However, the less congested streets may be encouraging some drivers to ignore traffic safety laws, including speed limits, according to the Governors Highway Safety Association. State highway safety officials across the country are reporting a sharp spike in speeding incidents. Multiple states have reported speed increases, with Colorado, Indiana, Nebraska and Utah noting a significant surge in vehicles clocked at 100 mph or more. Some states are finding reduced accident rates but more serious crashes. In Massachusetts, the fatality rate for car crashes is rising. In Rhode Island and Nevada, state officials noted pedestrian fatalities are increasing. New York City’s automated speed cameras issued 24,765 speeding tickets citywide on March 27, nearly double the 12,672 tickets issued daily a month earlier. In Minnesota, motor vehicle accidents and fatalities have more than doubled compared to the same time period in previous years. Half of those deaths were related to speeding, careless or negligent driving. |