A reduction in traffic can often give drivers a sense of freedom. When there are fewer vehicles on the roadways, it makes for less congestion, more open roads and a chance for drivers to start breaking the law.
CBS News explains that with fewer drivers on the road, there are now more drivers who are exceeding speed limits by excessive amounts. Across the country, law enforcement notes drivers going 100 miles per hour or more.
More tickets
Due to the increase in speeding, law enforcement is quite busy writing tickets at an alarming rate, much higher than is typical when traffic is normal. Consequences of excessive speeding often include high fines and the potential for an automatic license suspension.
Impact on safety
The overall number of accidents is lower on streets with less traffic, but when people start driving erratically, ignoring speed limits and running stop signs, it makes accidents that do happen more severe. It is well-known that accidents involving high rates of speed lead to more serious injuries and increase the potential for a fatality.
An additional issue
According to the Hartford Courant, not only is speeding an issue, but reckless driving has become a problem as well. Officers may see more drivers running stoplights or signs and practicing other risky behaviors, such as using a cellphone while driving.
Adding reckless behaviors into the mix with excessive speeds creates a recipe for severe and serious accidents. Officers warn that light traffic conditions are not an excuse to break the law and disregard the safety of others. An open road still requires safe driving habits.
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