HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — Fewer people are dying from traffic accidents in Alabama during the pandemic.
As the safer-at-home order continues, more people are hopping in their cars and getting out on the road, but statistics show the more people stay in, the fewer fatal wrecks there are.
"With less traffic being on our roadways you have people who are actually paying attention and out doing things they are supposed to be doing," said Alabama State Trooper Derek Campbell. "When you add a lot of people to the mix, you're going to have a lot of people doing those things, and it causes a dangerous situation on our roadways."
ALEA says they're seeing fewer car accidents in general. From March to April, highway deaths dropped 58%, and the number of crashes state troopers investigated is down by 43%.
In April 2019, ALEA worked 2,807 crashes in the state that resulted in 1,110 injuries. In April in 2020, they worked 1,758 crashes with an injury number of 576.
State troopers do expect those numbers to go back up as Alabama reopens.
"We would always like to keep those numbers low, but we do have to face the realities of it. People are going to get back to work. People are going to be back out on the roadways going to do their normal things, and it's going result in car crashes," said Trooper Campbell.
When driving, troopers ask that people be patient and follow traffic laws.
Trooper Campbell said, "Wear your seat belts, slow down, don't drink and drive, and just do what you're supposed to do while you're driving."
Because insurance companies are seeing fewer claims, many of them are offering credits that will cut down on premiums.
SPREADING KINDNESS: