A new study by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic’s negative impact on traffic safety trends in the United States – such as an increase in speeding, impaired driving, and reduced seatbelt usage – continue to be felt across the country. Notably, the new research by the AAA Foundation highlights a disparity in the pandemic’s impact on traffic safety, with Black and Hispanic Americans – already disproportionately affected by traffic fatalities – experiencing even more significant increases in traffic deaths from 2020 through 2022.
The study highlights several key findings:
- Risky driving spiked: Speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol remain significant contributors to fatal crashes.
- Lack of seatbelt use: The increase in occupant deaths was almost entirely among those not wearing seatbelts.
- Fatal crashes across age groups: Drivers and victims of all ages up to 55 saw a significant rise in fatal crash involvement, with men disproportionately affected.
- Late-night danger zone: Contrary to initial assumptions, the increase in fatal crashes wasn’t limited to times when the pandemic cleared previously congested daytime roads. Late nights and early mornings saw the most significant spikes.
- Unequal impact: The pandemic exacerbated existing disparities in traffic safety. Socially and economically disadvantaged counties and racial and ethnic minorities were disproportionately impacted.
