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

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Transportation Studies
• Psychology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic caused unprecedented global disruption.
• Stringent lockdown measures were implemented worldwide starting in March 2020.
• Changes in personal mobility and the rise of remote work raised questions about driving behavior shifts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of COVID-19 lockdown measures on motorists' driving patterns.
• To determine if remote working and reduced mobility accelerated distracted or aggressive driving.
• To compare self-reported driving behavior with observations of other drivers' behavior.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was conducted with 103 respondents.
• Participants reported on their own driving behavior before and after March 2020.
• Participants also reported on the driving behavior of other motorists.

Main Results:

• Respondents reported driving less frequently during lockdowns.
• Self-reported aggressive driving and engagement in distracting activities did not increase.
• Respondents observed an increase in aggressive and distracting driving behaviors among other motorists post-March 2020.

Conclusions:

• Findings suggest a discrepancy between self-perception and observed driving behavior.
• Self-enhancement bias may explain why individuals did not report increased personal risky driving.
• The study highlights potential shifts in traffic patterns and driving aggression following large-scale disruptive events.