This study investigates and compares the pattern of distraction-related crashes pre-COVID-19 pandemic (2018–2019) and post-COVID-19 pandemic (2020–2021) in Kentucky. Comprehensive crash (i.e. manner of collision, at-fault vehicle type, and time of crash), driver (i.e. at-fault driver age), roadway (i.e. roadway type), and environmental (i.e. weather condition) characteristics were investigated and contrasted pre- and post-pandemic. The systemic safety analysis showed that pre-pandemic, severe distraction-related crashes mostly occurred along urban undivided two-lane roads with 30–40 mph speed limit and annual average daily traffic (AADT) ≥ 5000–10,000. However, post-pandemic, severe distraction-related crashes frequently occurred along high-speed (55 mph) rural undivided two-lane roads with AADT ≤ 5000. Post-pandemic, there was a statistically significant increase in total distraction-related angle crashes (8.8%), single-vehicle crashes (22.4%), and involvement of heavy trucks as at-fault vehicles (14%). Furthermore, the involvement of young drivers in distraction-related crashes remained the highest pre- and post-pandemic (∼38%). The odds of head-on collisions and involvement of motorcyclists and very old drivers (≥ 70 years old) in severe distraction-related crashes remained the highest post-pandemic. Potential countermeasures to reduce distraction-related crashes are: implementation of dynamic message signs, installation of rumble strips, stronger enforcement of cell phone use, and organizing educational campaigns on distracted driving safety challenges.


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    Title :

    Investigating distracted driving crashes in Kentucky pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic


    Additional title:

    A. Banerjee et al.
    Journal of Transportation Safety & Security



    Published in:

    Publication date :

    2025-06-03


    Size :

    18 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English





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