Pedestrian Injury Lawyer Glendale, AZ
COVID-19 Affects Maricopa County Traffic
The COVID-19 pandemic is having effects on traffic across the country, including Maricopa County. Stay-at-home restrictions and telecommuting has not only resulted in fewer cars on the roads, but also faster commute times, less congestion and fewer emissions. The Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) collects 24/7 traffic data covering all major freeways and most arterial streets in Maricopa County. A pedestrian injury lawyer Glendale AZ can investigate the fault and evaluate claims for personal injury damages.
Here is a comparison of average weekday traffic for freeways and arterial roadways in Phoenix for March 2019 and March 2020 according to travel time data by the analytics company INRIX:
- Freeways AM: Mar. 2019: 60 mph; Mar. 2020: 66 mph; speeds increased 9%
- Freeways PM: Mar. 2019: 57; Mar. 2020: 66 mph; speeds increased 15%
- Arterials AM: Mar. 2019: 28 mph; Mar. 2020: 35 mph; speeds increased 23%
- Arterials PM: Mar. 2019: 27 mph; Mar. 2020: 34 mph; speed increased 25%
With fewer cars on the road, there is less congestion. As a consequence, the county has seen an increase in average roadway speeds. Data also show traffic congestion delays for both freeways and arterials dropped and then eventually stabilized over the course of March and into early April as travel restrictions and stay-at-home orders took effect:
- Friday, March. 6, 2020: Approximately 72,000 hours
- Friday, March. 13, 2020: Approximately 62,000 hours
- Friday, March. 20, 2020: Approximately 37,000 hours
- Friday, March. 27, 2020: Approximately 33,000 hours
- Friday, April 3, 2020: Approximately 36,000 hours
The delay is calculated as the excessive travel time for all vehicles when average speed during a given hour is at least 20 mph lower than the free flow speed. With hours of delay dropping from 70,000 hours to just over 30,000 hours, analysts say faster travel times translates to fewer delays when compared to normal traffic. Daily traffic volume in Maricopa County has also dropped. A pedestrian injury lawyer Glendale AZ may consult with an accident reconstructionist. If there are permanent injuries a lifecare planner and an economist may be consulted, to assess future losses.
Here are the numbers:
- 3/2 – 3/6: 100%
- 3/9 – 3/13: 92%
- 3/16 – 3/20: 79%
- 3/23 – 3/27: 67%
- 3/30 – 4/3: 63%
Daily traffic for heavy trucks, however, has remained relatively consistent as many freight deliveries are still taking place.
- 3/2 – 3/6: 100%
- 3/9 – 3/13: 88%
- 3/16 – 3/20: 97%
- 3/23 – 3/27: 96%
- 3/30 – 4/3: 95%
Some of the data collected also shows some good news on the environmental front. Since the coronavirus pandemic, emissions of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) have been down 21.56% comparing March 2019 to March 2020. Although the air may be cleaner and although there may be less traffic, danger is still ever present on the roadways. Authorities warn it is not a free pass to speed or break other traffic laws.
Should you or a loved one find yourself in the unfortunate circumstances of falling victim to a car, motorcycle or pedestrian accident, that results injuries, pain and suffering, contacting a pedestrian injury lawyer Glendale, AZ residents rely on may be a very helpful way to better understand your rights and get the compensation you rightly deserve. Contact the office of Paul Englander, PLC today.
Client Review
“Paul has worked with my family and I for many years. He’s dependable and honest throughout the entire process. I recommend him 100%.”
Tiara G.
