Road deaths increasing in Massachusetts

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) – Highway deaths in Massachusetts have seen a major enhance regardless of decrease site visitors volumes because of the pandemic

22News realized extra about why we’re seeing this enhance.

22News spoke with AAA Northeast and so they attributed the rise to a few issues:

• Seatbelt utilization is down 4%.
• Persons are dashing excessively
• Persons are not sharing the roads safely with motorcyclists.

“It’s a bit horrifying to drive on the roads proper now as a result of there’s a whole lot of aggression a whole lot of distraction and a whole lot of dashing,” mentioned Mark Shieldop of AAA Northeast.

The roads have gotten extra harmful based on new numbers from the state. Highway deaths in Massachusetts and throughout the nation elevated final 12 months, and early numbers present 2022 seems to be to be even worse.

In the course of the summer time, there are extra teen drivers on the roads, together with extra pedestrians, which helps to trigger the numbers to rise. 22News spoke with AAA about some secure driving practices.

“Actually the quicker you go the fatality danger exponentially will increase so we actually urge folks to go away somewhat earlier, drive somewhat slower, take it somewhat bit simpler and also you’ll be defending your self and decreasing your danger,” mentioned Shieldrop.

In accordance with MassDOT, in 2021, Massachusetts had over 400 roadway deaths, the very best quantity in additional than 11 years. So training secure driving habits like carrying a seatbelt and avoiding distracted driving is vital to maintain everybody secure on the roads

“I simply suppose lots of people are distracted they’re on their cellphones or they’re in a rush to get to locations,” mentioned Chris Corridor of West Springfield.

Corridor says he’s noticing extra aggression on the roads due to the pandemic, which stored many drivers at house.

“I attempt to take somewhat bit longer to get someplace I at all times give folks somewhat little bit of a cushion you recognize. Attempt to not get too near folks and you recognize these are the large issues for me,” mentioned Corridor.

In an effort to extend roadway security MassDOT is implementing a velocity administration coverage and investing in bicycle-friendly roadways to maintain everybody secure.