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.
Investigating distracted driving crashes in Kentucky pre- and post-COVID-19 pandemic
A. Banerjee et al.
Journal of Transportation Safety & Security
Journal of Transportation Safety & Security ; 17 , 6 ; 646-663
2025-06-03
18 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
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