Dangerous, Distracted Drivers Take More Joyrides During Lockdown

Recent data from transportation analytics company Inrix shows a 41% decrease in nationwide traffic compared to pre-pandemic figures. That drop is even greater in the nation's most populous cities with data showing a 50% decrease in Los Angeles and a 60% reduction in New York. 

To the lament of transportation officials, this staggering drop in vehicle miles traveled does not translate to an equal decrease in auto-collisions which decreased a disproportionate 21% in the United States. "Reckless driving has increased dramatically since March, leading to a disproportionate number of speed-related crashes and fatalities, according to law enforcement and traffic experts," reports Luz Lazo.

Lazo points out that there are psychological reasons for increased reports of drag racing, reckless driving, and speeding (average speed doubled in many cities). A few factors are at play: open roads lead to faster-moving traffic and the opportunity to speed, a chance many drivers aren't willing to pass up for the sake of public safety. Researchers also find that more people are taking to the roads despite shelter-in-place mandates. Some drivers are combating boredom by taking joyrides, finding relief in the excitement and adrenaline rush that comes along with speeding. One psychologist compares the experience to a drug.  

Public health officials urge drivers to slow down. As Lazo puts it, "hospitals are stressed, people are dying from the virus and a preventable crash would add another burden to first responders."