A new study by the American Automobile Association’s Foundation for Traffic Safety revealed that the COVID-19 had a significant impact on travel safety in the U.S. Several trends emerged during the pandemic, including a rise in speeding, not using seat belts and impaired driving. 

The study found that 114,528 people were killed in traffic crashes on U.S. roads from May 2020 through December 2022, an increase of 17 percent compared to the pre-pandemic era. 

According to the report, a disproportionate number of Black and Hispanic Americans fell victim to traffic fatalities during the pandemic. Those with lower education also saw an increase in fatalities compared to those with a college degree. 

Traffic deaths outpaced forecasts, according to the study, with young adults and teens taking the top spot in 2021. 

Men consistently exceeded estimates by 14 percent to 19 percent, while women only did so in 2021 with a 15 percent increase. The study found that Black Americans, who comprise approximately 12 percent of the U.S. population, accounted for approximately 34 percent of the entire rise in traffic fatalities. Hispanic Americans, who make up 19 percent of the U.S. population, accounted for approximately 25 percent of the increase.

“Our study points to an ongoing disturbing trend of risky driving behaviors, which we noted in previous research earlier in the pandemic,” said Dr. David Yang, president and executive director of the AAA Foundation. “There are still far too many road users who lose their lives in preventable crashes. The findings from this latest AAA Foundation study underscore the importance of addressing traffic safety from an equity perspective—communities across the United States must provide safe transportation options to meet the needs of their users.”

The study noted that risky driving spiked, particularly under the influence of alcohol. Meanwhile, the AAA noted almost all the deaths were attributed to not wearing seat belts. 

The number of victims over the age of 55 also increased, with men disproportionately affected. Meanwhile, late nights and early mornings saw the most significant spikes.

AAA believes providing safe transportation options for vulnerable populations benefits everyone. Additionally, the organization suggests broader traffic safety issues beyond just the pandemic’s effects must be addressed while creating a safe system framework to improve overall road safety.

“It’s time for transportation leaders to walk the talk about curbing traffic deaths,” said Jake Nelson, AAA’s director of traffic safety and advocacy. “I think this research illuminates a path toward zero traffic deaths for the nation. We need to target resources and solutions to the people who experience a disproportionate burden of traffic deaths on our roads—lower socioeconomic and minority groups.”