Examination of the Traffic Safety Environment During the Second Quarter of 2020: Special Report

NHTSA - Behavioral Safety Researchhttps://doi.org/10.21949/15259822020PDFTech ReportWagner, EssieAtkins, Randolph G.Berning, AmyRobbins, ArrynWatson, ChristineAnderle, JonleeUnited States. Department of Transportation. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Office of Behavioral Safety ResearchUnited States. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Office of Behavioral Safety ResearchUnited StatesHealthPublic healthFatalitiesImpaired driversSeat belt useOperating speedTravel behaviorTravel patternsSpeedCommunicable diseasesCOVID-19VMTtraffic fatalitiesEMSalcohol-impaired drivingimpaired drivingspeedingNEMSISDOT HS 813 011Special ReportThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is reviewing national changes in roadway travel and changes in drivers\u2019 behavior that have occurred since the start of the COVID-19 public health emergency, with an emphasis on the second quarter (Q2) of 2020. Most important, we are learning about the impact on motor ve-hicle crashes and fatalities. This report draws from an array of sources to bring together as much information as possible to provide an understanding of our current traffic safety environment, and to better address our chang-ing traffic safety needs. Prior economic downturns, such as the financial crisis of 2008, provide some compari-son for reduced roadway travel and changes in travel patterns. As this report documents, although there are some similarities with that time frame, there are many differences in impact on speeding and other dangerous driving behaviors, such as reduced seat belt use. This report explores changes in countermeasure use including traffic enforcement and public communications and outreach. This report also examines the question of whether some people \u2013 who continued driving even when many communities had stay-at-home guidelines \u2013 may be inherently higher-risk drivers. The report draws on sources such as emergency medical services (EMS) and hospital trauma center data as we examine this issue.129