COVID-19 lockdown and reduction of traffic accidents in Tarragona province, Spain. (November 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Saladié, Òscar; Bustamante, Edgar; Gutiérrez, Aaron
• Is Part Of: Transportation research interdisciplinary perspectives. Volume 8(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-11
• Subjects: COVID-19 -- Lockdown -- Traffic accidents -- Tarragona; Transportation -- Periodicals; 388.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.trip.2020.100218
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2590-1982

Abstract

Abstract: This paper analyses the impact that the lockdown decreed by the Spanish Government to combat the spread of COVID-19 has had on traffic accidents in Tarragona province (Spain). During the studied period of the lockdown (March 16 - April 26 2020) the number of accidents per day fell by 74, 3% in coparison with those in February 14-20 (reference week) and 76% in respect to the equivalent period in 2018-2019. This reduction of accidents has been higher than the decrease of mobility during the same reference period (62.9%). This suggests a multiplicative positive effect of traffic reduction on roads safety. Our findings provide new evidences of the disruptive effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on transportation and of how it could be used as a catalyst to promote more sustainable and secure transport systems. Highlights: Overall mobility in Tarragona province during COVID-19 lockdown declined 62, 9%, while traffic accidents fell 74, 3%. The relative occurrence of severe traffic accidents diminished during the lockdown. The reduction of traffic accidents on weekends/holidays was more intense compared to weekdays. Our findings provide new evidences of the disruptive effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on transportation and road safety.