Continued risk-taking by a small but growing group of Canadian drivers has been highlighted in a new report looking at the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on road safety.
The Traffic Injury Research Foundation (TIRF) has released the study, which examines travel behaviour and road safety in Canada last year compared to the two previous years.
Risky behaviours considered include speeding, distracted driving, alcohol-impaired driving, drug-impaired driving, polysubstance use and driving, fatigued driving, and seatbelt use.
“Overall, poll results showing many drivers were less likely to engage in risky driving behaviours during the past two years and make safer choices than they did prior to the pandemic is encouraging,” said TIRF COO, Ward Vanlaar.
“However, a small but notable segment of drivers indicated they were actually more likely to engage in risky driving behaviours in 2020 than pre-pandemic, and more drivers reported doing this in 2021.”
Compared to pre-pandemic in 2019, a growing proportion of drivers reported engaging in risky behaviours including:
- 4 percent of Canadians admitted they were more likely to exceed the posted speed limit by at least 20km/h during 2021 as compared to 5.5 percent in 2020.
- 4 percent of Canadians admitted they were more likely to drive distracted during 2021 as compared to 4.2 percent in 2020.
- 2 percent of Canadians admitted they were more likely to drive within two hours of using alcohol during 2021 as compared to 2.4 percent in 2020.
- 7 percent of Canadians admitted they were more likely to drive within two hours of using drugs during 2021 as compared to 2.2 percent in 2020.
The survey also revealed a significant change in preferred transportation modes during the pandemic, with less wanting to travel on public transport and an increase in personal vehicle use. Walking also increased as a preferred method of travel by 261 percent from before the pandemic.
