--- description: We know that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on health and mental well-being, but a potential outcome is an increase in car accidents. title: How the Pandemic Caused a Spike in Fatal Car Accidents canonical: https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/how-the-pandemic-caused-a-spike-in-fatal-car-accidents/ date_modified: 2025-10-16T15:59:19+00:00 practice_area: car-accident --- - How the Pandemic Caused a Spike in Fatal Car Accidents [Home](https://www.lawfran.com/) » [Car Accident Lawyers](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/) » How the Pandemic Caused a Spike in Fatal Car Accidents # How the Pandemic Caused a Spike in Fatal Car Accidents Last Updated: October 16, 2025 - Reading Time: 4 minutes trusted Content Legally Reviewed by: Fran Haasch Updated 10 months ago [![Tampa Bay Trial Lawyers Association](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/tbtla-1.webp)](https://www.tbtla.us) [![10 Best Attorney Client Satisfaction American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/logo-4.png)](https://www.aiopia.org) [![Avvo Rating 10.0 Superb](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/avvo.png)](https://www.avvo.com) [![Florida Justice Association Logo](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/logo-5.png)](https://www.myfja.org) [![elite Lawyers of America ELA](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/logo-3.png)](https://www.elitelawyer.com) [![National Alliance of Attorneys Distinguished Member logo](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/distinguished-member-2020-1-300x256.png)](https://naoatty.org) [![American Academy of Attorneys Top 100 2020](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/AAOA-Top-100-2020-1-1-300x212.png)](https://aaoaus.com/directory/categories/florida-top-100) [![American Association of Justice logo](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/logo-2.png)](https://www.justice.org) [![Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/logo-1.png)](https://www.milliondollaradvocates.com) Table of Contents Our Case results [$1,800,000 Car Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/1800000-2/) [$1,800,000 Car Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/1800000/) [$1,550,000 Car Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/1550000/) [$1,350,000 Car Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/1350000/) [$1,345,750 Car Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/1345750/) [$1,300,000 Car Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/1300000-2/) [$1,300,000 Car Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/1300000/) [$1,025,000 Car Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/1025000-2/) [$1,025,000 Car Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/1025000/) [$1,000,000 Car Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/1000000-4/) [$1,000,000 Car Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/1000000-3/) [$1,000,000 Car Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/1000000-2/) [$1,000,000 Car Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/1000000/) [$895,000 Car Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/895000/) [$800,000 Car Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/800000/) [$750,000 Car Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/750000-3/) [$750,000 Car Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/750000-2/) [$750,000 Car Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/750000/) [$700,000 Car Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/700000-2/) [$700,000 Car Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/case-results/700000/) [View All Results](https://www.lawfran.com/case-results/) Our Practice Areas Testimonials Extremely attentive and considerate. Highly recommend them. When I got in my car accident they kept me up to date with everything didn’t have to be on top of them. Very professional. Thank you guys for all you help me with. Julie Rodriguez I was in a car accident a few years ago, they helped me through the process .Very professional and very generous toward the different charities that they help. I've gotten to know a lot of good people throughout the years that are affiliated with them. Thomas Scharf Attorney Fran Haasch was great in helping me with my medical bills and settling my case! They really cared about me and my family. I recommend them, if you have injuries from an automobile accident. 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Frequency may vary. Message & data rates may apply. Text HELP for assistance, reply STOP to opt out. Submit Δ We know that COVID-19 has had a significant impact on health and mental well-being, but a potential outcome that has started to garner attention is an increase in [car accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/). Road safety is a significant factor in determining the overall safest U.S. states. As of 2019 and before the effects of COVID-19 came into play, one of the leading causes of death in the United States is car accidents, and no state is exempt from this. However, the country has seen a constant increase in car accidents throughout the pandemic, specifically fatal accidents. ## Reckless Driving and the “Arousal Breakout” Even as Americans drove less due to the pandemic, in 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimated that [38,680 people were killed](https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813115) on U.S. roadways. This is the highest number recorded since 2007 and came when Americans drove 13% fewer miles than in 2019. According to the NHTSA’s data, the primary behaviors that caused the increase included [impaired driving](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/drunk-driving-accidents/), speeding, and failure to wear a seatbelt. This trend continued into 2021. In October, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration released an [early estimate traffic fatality report](https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813199) for the first half of 2021. An estimated 20,160 people died in motor vehicle crashes, an 18 percent increase from the first half of 2020, and miles traveled increased by 11.7% from 2020. ## The “Arousal Breakout” The outbreak of COVID-19 has had a profound effect on our mental health. The constant worry and stress of the situation can be overwhelming, and many people struggle to cope. The concept of the arousal breakout suggests that the pandemic has made U.S. drivers more likely to participate in reckless driving. This includes speeding, drinking, using drugs, and leaving seat belts unbuckled. [In an article](https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2021-12-08/traffic-deaths-surged-during-covid-19-pandemic-heres-why) from reporters Emily Baumgartner and Russ Mitchell of the Los Angeles Times that dug into reasons for this increase in road fatalities during the pandemic and 2021, Frank Farley, a professor of psychology at Temple University in Philadelphia, says, “Covid-19 marks ‘a sea change in psychology.’ He views reckless driving as a form of rebellion — or what he calls ‘arousal breakout … You’ve been cooped up, locked down, and have restrictions you chafe at,’ he said. ‘So, if you can have an arousal breakout, you want to take it.’” A researcher at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Shannon Frattaroli, also tells the reporters, “Experts say that behavior on the road is likely a reflection of widespread feelings of isolation, loneliness, and depression. ‘We might decide: What does a seatbelt or another beer matter, anyway, when we’re in the middle of a pandemic?’ Finally, the article also suggests that the rise in motor vehicle deaths lines up with other pandemic-era trends: Alcohol sales have soared, drug overdoses have set new records, and homicides have seen their biggest increase on record. ## The Pandemic Effects on Florida Car Accidents Florida is [the third-worst state](https://worldpopulationreview.com/state-rankings/fatal-car-accidents-by-state) in the US for motor vehicle fatalities. [Drivers](https://www.flhsmv.gov/traffic-crash-reports/crash-dashboard/)in the state retain more than 1,000 car accidents every day, auto accidents kill nearly 3,000 people, and over 165,000 victims sustain injuries. In 2019, before the pandemic and COVID-19 constraints, over 400,000 crashes occurred in Florida, with 3,185 fatalities. As restrictions increased across the country and fewer motorists were on the road, crashes in Florida decreased to just over 340,000, but deaths continued to grow to 3,332. As the US began to lift restrictions in 2021 and motorists returned to their daily travel routines, crashes increased to pre-pandemic levels at just over 400,000 accidents occurring. However, deaths continued to grow, reaching just over 3,700. Hillsborough County saw over 28,000 accidents alone and accounted for 271 fatalities. ## How to Avoid Car Accidents With the number of car accidents on the rise due to COVID-19, it’s important to be aware of how to stay safe while driving. [Here are a few tips](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/how-to-avoid-car-accidents/): - If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to reach out for help. Talk to a friend or family member, or seek professional help if needed. - Drive carefully. Take your time and be aware of your surroundings. - Keep an eye out for others who may not be driving safely. If you see someone driving erratically, stay away and call the police. - Always obey the rules of the road. This includes following speed limits, using turn signals, and not [driving while distracted](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/distracted-driving-accidents/). - Make sure your car is in good condition and that you are familiar with how it operates. This includes knowing how to use the brakes, the gas pedal, and the turn signals. ## Contact a Car Accident Lawyer in Florida As we return to pre-pandemic activity and more drivers are on the road, the risk of car accidents increases. If you’ve been in a car accident due to someone else’s negligence, contact a car accident lawyer today. At [The Fran Haasch Law Group](https://www.lawfran.com/), we are committed to fighting for your fair recovery. We strive to help injured individuals and the loved ones of those wrongfully killed secure the full, fair recovery they are owed. We offer dedicated legal representation for car accident victims and victims of bicycle, and semi-truck accidents. If you feel you have been the victim of a car accident through no fault of your own. Our attorneys are prepared to help you navigate the legal process and work toward securing the maximum compensation you are owed. Call (727) 784-8191 or [contact us online](https://www.lawfran.com/contact-us/) to get started on receiving maximum compensation for your personal injury case. INJURED IN FLORIDA? The Fran Haasch Law Group Is Here for You. Whether you’ve been hurt in a [motorcycle crash](https://www.lawfran.com/motorcycle-accident-lawyers/), [car accident](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/), [truck collision](https://www.lawfran.com/truck-accident-lawyers/), or another serious incident, you deserve strong legal representation. Our experienced Florida [personal injury attorneys](https://www.lawfran.com/palm-harbor-personal-injury-lawyers/) will fight to protect your rights and help you recover the compensation you need. [Schedule Your Free Consultation](https://www.lawfran.com/contact-us/) Share this page Find an Office Near You Our Car Accident Locations At Fran Haasch Law Group Accident & Injury Lawyers, we’re proud to serve clients throughout the greater Tampa Bay area and beyond. With multiple offices across the region, our team is dedicated to making it easy for you to access experienced legal help close to home. Select a location below to learn more about the services available near you. 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[Meet Francoise M. Haasch](https://www.lawfran.com/attorneys/francoise-m-haasch/) ![joshua-lipton.jpg](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/joshua-lipton-r9krl6yuy47tqdgb2e2srqw299mmx0efn96wt2y4h8.webp) ## Joshua R. Lipton Managing Attorney Over 20 Years Experience - [Personal Injury](https://www.lawfran.com/palm-harbor-personal-injury-lawyers/) - [Car Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/) - [Motorcycle Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/motorcycle-accident-lawyers/) Recognized for consistent results and strong client advocacy in complex accident cases. [Meet Joshua R. Lipton](https://www.lawfran.com/attorneys/joshua-r-lipton/) ![david-fuller.jpg](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/elementor/thumbs/david-fuller-r9krlbo1wae9cf9hay3xm7pd86zgzhx3bwgc7gr5m4.webp) ## David R. 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Whether its how to prevent them or what to do once you’ve been in one, [our blog](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/) can help you gather the knowledge and information you need. ### [Medical Payments Coverage (Medpay)](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/medical-payments-coverage-medpay/) ### [Car Accident Lawyer in Riverview FL](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/riverview/) ### [Spring Hill Car Accident Lawyer](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/spring-hill/) ### [Car Accident Lawyers](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/) ### [Types of Car Accidents](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/types-of-accidents/) ### [How Medical Bills Are Paid After a Car Accident in Florida](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/how-medical-bills-are-paid-after-an-accident/) ### [Shoulder Pain After a Car Accident](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/car-accident-injuries/shoulder-pain/) ### [Chest Pain After a Car Accident](https://www.lawfran.com/car-accident-lawyers/car-accident-injuries/chest-pain/) [![fran fights for you with car that rear ended another red car in background](https://www.lawfran.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/FranFights_FullCoverage.jpg)](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/2022/05/how-do-i-get-reimbursed-for-lost-wages-and-medical-expenses-after-an-auto-accident/) ### [How Do I Get Reimbursed for Lost Wages and Medical Expenses After an Auto Accident?](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/2022/05/how-do-i-get-reimbursed-for-lost-wages-and-medical-expenses-after-an-auto-accident/) May 8, 2022 An auto accident can cause you to suffer serious injuries that might require medical treatment, including surgery, rehabilitation, and prescription medication. In some cases, the [Read Full Post »](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/2022/05/how-do-i-get-reimbursed-for-lost-wages-and-medical-expenses-after-an-auto-accident/) ### [What About My Rental Car?](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/2022/05/what-about-my-rental-car/) May 8, 2022 Was your vehicle severely damaged in an auto accident? Are you wondering who is going to pay for your rental car? If you require a [Read Full Post »](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/2022/05/what-about-my-rental-car/) ### [What Happens When Medicine Causes a Car Accident?](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/2022/05/what-happens-when-medicine-causes-a-car-accident/) May 8, 2022 According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, 43.6 percent of fatally injured drivers in 2016 tested positive for drugs, and over half of those drivers [Read Full Post »](https://www.lawfran.com/blog/2022/05/what-happens-when-medicine-causes-a-car-accident/) ## Contact Us Today [(727) 784-8191](tel:+17277848191) Our experienced attorneys are here to help you navigate your legal rights with confidence. 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