On the Effect of COVID-19 on Drivers’ Behavior: A Survey Study

Abstract

COVID-19 had a disruptive effect on the global community. This study looks at the effects that the stringent lockdown measures enacted in March 2020 had on motorists’ driving patterns. In particular, given the greater portability of remote working associated with the drastic decline in personal mobility, it is hypothesized that these may have served as accelerators for distracted and aggressive driving. To answer these questions, an online survey was conducted in which 103 respondents were asked to report on their own and other drivers’ driving behavior. While respondents agreed they drove less frequently, they also indicated that they were not prone to more aggressive driving or engaging in potentially distracting activities whether for work or personal purposes. When asked to report on other motorists’ behavior, however, respondents indicated they had witnessed more aggressive and distracting drivers on the road after March 2020 relative to the time before the pandemic. These findings are reconciled with the existing literature on self-monitoring and self-enhancement bias, and the existing literature on the effect of comparable large-scale, disruptive events on traffic patterns is used to discuss the hypothesis on how driving patterns may change after the pandemic.

The Effect of COVID-19 on Distracted Driving: A Survey Study

“…First, because the participants were asked to report their distracted driving behavior, it may somewhat affect their judgment. Second, it is worth mentioning that the sample size was limited to just over 150 respondents, which is, however, consistent with the sample sizes adopted in related studies (32,43,44).…”

“…These groups, particularly those without reliable access to a household vehicle or who are unable to drive, frequently rely on others for transportation assistance (29)(30)(31). However, another survey study showed that although respondents admitted to driving less regularly, they also said they did not necessarily drive while distracted or more aggressively (32).…”

Investigating the Effect of COVID-19 on Driver Behavior and Road Safety: A Naturalistic Driving Study in Malaysia

“…Similarly, in this study, younger drivers showed a greater propensity for aggressive driving during the pandemic than older drivers. A Canadian study predicted that the changes in driving behaviors caused by COVID-19 would fade upon the return to more usual working situations [ 13 ]. In this study, it was shown that after the lockout, the conduct of all drivers, even young ones, returned to normal, which may support their hypothesis.…”

“…In both clusters, there was a noticeable decline in traffic deaths. Moreover, researchers examined the impact of the stringent lockdown measures implemented in March 2020 on the driving behaviors of motorists [ 13 ]. An online survey was conducted in Canada in which 103 respondents were asked to report on their own and other drivers’ driving behaviors.…”