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The Law Offices of Bailey & Burke

A Proven Full Service Law Firm Since 1971
888-870-0925

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Traffic violations increased 30 percent last year in Worcester

On Behalf of | May 16, 2019 | Car Accidents

As a licensed driver, you are legally bound to follow the traffic and safety regulations every time you are behind the wheel. However, there’s not much you can do to influence another driver’s choices or behavior. Speeding, drunk driving, distracted driving and the like can cause fatal accidents, and data released by officials show that traffic violations are an alarming concern in Worcester.

According to the Worcester Police Department Traffic Division, traffic violations increased 30 percent in one year in Worcester from 2017 to 2018. While there were 9,194 traffic citations issued in 2017, there were 12,009 in 2018. The report highlights that there was an 86 percent increase in speeding cases, a 21 percent increase in red light violations and a 360 percent increase in stop sign violations. There were also 11 fatal accidents reported in the city in 2018.

Worcester Police says the traffic citations increased after the department’s Traffic Division re-structured the year before. Previously, only a small team of officers from the Operations Division were responsible for answering service calls. Now, the new Traffic Division consists of a Crash Reconstruction Unit, a Truck Team and traffic enforcement officers exclusively focused on traffic issues and traffic enforcement. The initiative is to create a safer environment for all bicyclists, pedestrians and motorists on the streets and sidewalks of the city.

Accidents due to traffic violations are often caused by the negligence of the driver. Apart from causing serious injuries and fatalities, these accidents may also cause substantial property damage. Victims of car accidents are eligible for compensation for personal injuries. Those responsible for the victim’s injuries could be held liable to the victim for their negligence. In case of a fatality, the family member of the deceased may file a suit for wrongful death.

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