In March, Oregon Governor Kate Brown issued a statewide stay-at-home order (Executive Order 20-12) to help prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). As a result, several businesses, state parks, and other places where people congregate were required to close their doors.
The stay-at-home order doesn’t necessarily mean all residents must stay home. Some people still go to the grocery store to get food and go to work. We may not see the congested roadways we once saw throughout Portland, but the lack of traffic congestion may present its own risk, according to a KATU 2 story.
Speeding becomes a growing danger on empty Oregon roads
More speeders have been spotted by law enforcement. According to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, some drivers were traveling at speeds of 100 mph or more. One speed-related crash resulted in a serious injury that required one person to be airlifted to a nearby hospital.
“Naturally, congestion tends to actually slow traffic down for us. And with the roads being so open I think it’s easy for people to lose the focus they have on the road and move a little bit quicker,” said Sgt. Jeremy Landers.
While police are issuing fewer tickets, most of the citations they are issuing are speed-related. Landers explains how the increase in speeding can potentially tie up the hospitals for COVID-19 patients.
“With increased speed comes the increased risk of injury and that can result in putting more burden on our strained hospitals systems, and divert attention that our medical workers have on other issues right now,” he said.
Why is speeding so dangerous?
Some drivers get over-confident. They think that just because the road is wide open that they can violate the speed limit without any consequences.
Those who drive too fast are rarely ever prepared for potential crash risks. A speeding driver could hit a driver obeying the speed limit or exiting a shoulder on a major highway. That’s because speeding results in:
- Loss of vehicle control
- Less time and distance to stop
- Increased damage capability in the crash
According to the NHTSA, more than 9,000 people were killed in speed-related crashes across the United States in 2018. Approximately 110 speed-related fatalities happened in Oregon.
How can a lawyer help me if I was injured in an accident?
If you were involved in a crash with a driver who was speeding, you have the right to pursue compensation for any medical expenses, wage loss, pain, suffering or other damages accrued.
It’s critical that you consult with an experienced Portland car accident attorney who can help you weigh your legal options. Zbinden & Curtis, Attorneys at Law has built a solid reputation for successfully advocating on behalf of crash victims and their families. Contact us online or call our Portland office at (503) 287-5000 to get started. Our case evaluations are confidential and free of charge.
