Speeding problems rise during COVID-19 pandemic

(The Center Square) – Despite fewer cars on the roads because of pandemic restrictions, traffic crashes are becoming more deadly.

The National Safety Council, based in Itasca, reports a 23.5 percent increase in the fatality rate in May compared to last year.

Lorraine Martin, the president of the NSC, said the pandemic has exposed our national road safety culture for what it really is.

“It is clear that our open roads have created somewhat of an open season for reckless driving,” Martin said.

The number of miles driven in May dropped 25.5% compared to the year prior. Overall, the mileage death rate per 100 million vehicle miles driven was 1.47 in May compared to 1.19 in 2019.