While the world has gradually adapted to life under the coronavirus pandemic, one fact remains: We’re all living with more stress – stress that’s showing up on our streets.

During the height of the pandemic, law enforcement agencies began to report a spike in speeding, often in excess of 100 mph, as reported in the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Journal. What makes this trend even more dangerous is that the pandemic has inspired many Americans to take up walking, biking, and other outdoor activities.

Even when traffic dropped off during the 2020 lockdown, law enforcement experts reported spikes in pedestrian fatalities, car accidents, and reckless behavior on our roads. For drivers throughout Green Country, it’s not uncommon to see cars blowing right through red traffic lights. At Gilpin Law Office, we care about our Oklahoma neighbors who share the streets with us. We’ve put together these tips to help you stay safe whether you’re cruising through Oklahoma’s beautiful countryside or stuck in midday traffic.

Staying Safe During the Covid Pandemic

The key to safe driving lies with each Green Country driver. While you can’t control what everyone else does, you can make decisions every day that keep other drivers and pedestrians safe on Oklahoma highways.

Follow these tips for safe driving:

✓ Keep crosswalks clear.

It’s tempting to creep up while you’re waiting for that traffic light to turn. But doing so can create an unnecessary risk for your vehicle and others around you. Don’t block any crosswalks when stopped at a red light or waiting to make a turn.

✓ Follow the speed limit.

Watch your speed even when the roads are clear. Lighter traffic doesn’t make it any less dangerous to drive recklessly.

✓ Watch for pedestrians and bicycles.

Take extra care to look out for pedestrians or cyclists, especially in residential areas. In times of lockdown, watch for unexpected street closures as many cities are selectively closing roads to create more space for walkers and bikers.

✓ Share the road.

When passing a bicyclist, proceed in the same direction slowly, leaving three feet between your car and the cyclist. Be on the lookout for bike riders turning in front of you without looking or signaling. Young bicyclists especially have a tendency to do this. Check side mirrors before opening your door when parked.

What to Do in an Accident

Even the most careful drivers can get into an accident if the conditions are right. Even years into the pandemic, many of our institutions, including America’s legal and medical systems, have been stressed due to the pandemic. That’s why it’s more important than ever to understand your rights and get help fast.

If you get hurt on the roads, get help right away. Call the police to the scene, make a report, and get medical attention as soon as possible. And be sure to call Gilpin Law. At Gilpin Law, we work hard every day to ensure that the legal rights of our clients are not compromised. Even when the pandemic heats up, we’re here for our Oklahoma neighbors because we understand that time is essential when it comes to investigating Oklahoma car accident claims.

To keep clients safe during the pandemic and give them peace of mind, we provide online case evaluations, live chat, and other technologies so there is no need to wait OR compromise personal safety or your legal rights. For more information on your rights, check out our Gilpin Law Office newsletter.

Whether you have questions about a multi-vehicle accident, an auto-motorcycle accident, a bike-share accident, or a pedestrian-car accident, we’ve got you covered. To get your questions answered and make sure your rights are protected, call Tim Gilpin at Gilpin Law Office today.