This Time, It’s Different

The pandemic’s impact on road safety in the US has been unprecedented. Historically, reduced driving led to fewer fatalities, as evidenced during the Great Recession, when Americans drove 73 billion fewer miles and road fatalities declined. However, the pandemic upended this pattern.

Before the pandemic, road travel was steadily increasing, with Americans driving 3.26 trillion miles in 2019. Road fatalities, however, had declined, dropping to 36,355 that year. This dynamic shifted dramatically with the onset of COVID-19.

Less Driving, More Road Fatalities

The pandemic saw a steep decline in driving miles, yet road fatalities spiked. In 2020, 2,652 more people died compared to 2019, and the death toll rose by another 3,932 in 2021. Despite a return to pre-pandemic driving levels in 2023, fatalities remain abnormally high.

“Despite a return to pre-pandemic driving levels, the elevated fatality rate is a stark reminder that we must address road safety with renewed urgency,” says Anna Ganska, CEO of Motointegrator.

Mapping the Worst Roads in the US

Fatality rates in the US vary significantly by state. In 2023, Mississippi had the highest fatality rate, with 1.76 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles, while Massachusetts had the lowest rate, at 0.56.

The Pandemic Shakeup

The pandemic exacerbated risky behaviors like speeding and impaired driving, while other factors such as the prevalence of large SUVs and suburban infrastructure worsened the issue. Efforts to reduce fatalities include the Department of Transportation’s National Roadway Safety Strategy, which combines policy, enforcement, and technology initiatives.