COVID-19 - It's impact on Traffic Safety
Important Updates and FAQ's
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration, miles driven since the onset of the pandemic have significantly dropped. Lockdowns and closures continue to have an impact on our daily routines. Remote learning, virtual meetings and appointments, and the loss of jobs has contributed to the decline in road and highway traffic.
As spring approaches, we are beginning to see schools and businesses reopen, services resuming and yes, and increase traffic.
As we monitor the pandemic’s impact on driving and traffic safety, we will share the latest and most relevant news and updates. We regularly post new articles in order to provide you with the latest, so check back often.
Getting a License, Safety Trends and Other Important Information
Car Crash Deaths
surging during pandemic
The latest evidence suggests that after decades of safety gains, the pandemic has made U.S. drivers more reckless — more likely to speed, drink or use drugs and leave their seat belts unbuckled. Click here to read the full article published in the December 8, 2021 edition of the Los Angeles Times.
What’s the transmission risk inside a car? An airflow study offers some insight for passengers and drivers alike. Although cars don’t carry enough people to host a traditional superspreader event, they are small, sealed spaces that can still carry the risk of Covid-19 transmission. Chick here to read the New York Times story published January 16, 2021
This guide, published by Bankrate.com, provides information on how the pandemic has impacted new drivers, state by state protocols for obtaining a license, and what families need to know about adding a new driver to their policy. Click here to see the guide. NOTE: Licensing requirements vary by state, and changes are to the regulations are happening daily. We recommend you check with your local DMV office for the most recent updates.
Licensing Process
This article takes a look at what changes are being made and how these changes are affecting driver’s license applicants. Click here to read the article.
Traffic Down
Fatalities Up
The Washington Post reports traffic counts fell during the coronavirus pandemic, but road fatalities still increased. Click here to read the full story.
Teens and Speeding
A new report from GHSA and Ford Motor Company Fund, highlights the significant role speeding plays in teen driver fatalities and offers practical tools to help parents rein in this lethal driving habit. Click here to read the report.
Covid-19 Anxiety Can Increase Distracted Driving Among Teens
In an article published by Bankrate.com, the author discusses how attention span is a key consideration for teen drivers when it comes to risk in general, but even more concerning due to the added stress caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The question is, what can be done to help reduce distractions compounded by anxiety related stress. Read the article here.
A Kids' Guide To Coping With The Pandemic
You've been living through this pandemic for months, and you might be feeling sad, frustrated or upset. But there are lots of different ways to deal with your worries – and make yourself feel better. Here are some tips and advice to help you through. Click here to view and print the tips.
Pandemic Takes Toll On Children's Mental Health
Currently, there's little hard data about how the pandemic is affecting children's mental health, mostly because the outbreak is still unfolding and research takes time. The little that scientists have measured is worrisome. Click here to read more.
