COVID-19's Impact on Risky Driving Behavior and Driver Injury Severity: An Econometric Study

Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic brought about significant changes in transportation and road safety dynamics, leading to decreased travel demand and altered driving behaviors. Despite an overall reduction in crashes, Oregon witnessed an increase in crash-related fatalities during the pandemic. Similar trends were observed nationwide. This study delves into the factors contributing to risky driving-related crashes during the COVID-19 pandemic in Oregon, employing a random parameter logit model with heterogeneity in means and variances to analyze crash data from 2019 and 2020. Surprisingly, the findings challenge conventional wisdom, revealing that young drivers were less likely to be involved in severe injury crashes. Non-compliance with safety restraint systems, non-valid licenses, higher speed limits, and specific time periods were identified as significant factors impacting injury severity. This research not only provides insights into pandemic-era road safety but also underscores the need for broader, multi-year, multi-state studies to comprehensively understand the pandemic's implications on transportation safety.