A new study has revealed the impact COVID-19 has had on the behaviour of drivers in Canada.

The Traffic Injury Research Foundation’s (TIRF) new fact sheet, Road Safety Monitor 2020: The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Travel Behaviour & Road Safety, is a summary based upon data from the Road Safety Monitor (RSM), conducted by TIRF.

Compared to before the pandemic, 5.5 percent of Canadians admitted they were more likely to excessively exceed the posted speed limit during COVID-19; approximately 1.46 million licensed drivers.

In addition, 4.2 percent said they were more likely to drive distracted, 9.1 percent of respondents reported they had more difficulty focusing while driving and 2.4 percent admitted they were more likely to drive within two hours of consuming alcohol.

While the percentages show only a minority of Canadians engage in such dangerous driving behaviours, they still represent well over a million drivers.

“The results from TIRF are a reminder that drivers must remain vigilant during the pandemic,” said ValĂ©rie Lavoie, President & COO of Desjardins General Insurance Group.

“Injuries and fatalities on our road are preventable, so it is important to remind drivers of the dangerous habits that can put themselves and others at risk.”