Although traffic was halved compared to years prior due to efforts to stem the spread of coronavirus, the rate of fatal car crashes doubled in April, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation said in a Monday press release.
While 50% less traffic was recorded on major highways, 28 people died in crashes last month, compared to 27 fatalities in April 2019, MassDOT said.
The department did not indicate why the fatality rate may have increased.
State transportation officials urged drivers to observe speed limits, drive sober, adhere to the hands-free law and wear seatbelts, despite the decrease in traffic.Â
