Fatal Collisions Increase Per Vehicle Miles Traveled During Pandemic

Data from the National Safety Council show the first evidence that with fewer cars on the road during the pandemic, fatal collisions have actually been more common for every mile driven.

1 minute read

May 21, 2020, 8:00 AM PDT

By James Brasuell @CasualBrasuell


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"U.S. highways have been emptier during the coronavirus pandemic, but they have also been more deadly," reports Luz Lazo.

Preliminary data from the National Safety Council show that the fatality rate per mile driven rose 14 percent in March 2020 compared with March 2019, when Americans began to stay home in large numbers to control the spread of the coronavirus. 

"The traffic fatality data, compiled from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, confirm the alarming reports across the country that speeding and reckless driving during the health crisis are leading to a disproportionate number of crashes and fatalities," according to Lazo.


Wednesday, May 20, 2020 in The Washington Post

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