COVID-19 Pandemic Drives Surge in Impaired-Driving Deaths
Impaired-driving deaths rose during the COVID-19 pandemic, with changes in alcohol sales policies and increased drinking contributing to the trend.
The pandemic saw a rise in alcohol consumption, with 60% of U.S. adults reporting they drank more. This increase, coupled with reduced policing due to staff cuts, led to a surge in impaired-driving deaths. In 2020, 30% of drivers killed in crashes had a blood alcohol concentration above the legal limit, up from 28% in 2019.
Self-reported depressive episodes and suicide plans also increased during the pandemic, which may have contributed to the rise in impaired-driving deaths. The relaxation of alcohol sales policies further exacerbated the issue. While allowing bars and restaurants to sell alcohol to-go was associated with roughly 450 fewer deaths per year, the increase in home delivery of alcohol from bars and restaurants was linked to around 304 additional impaired-driving deaths per year.
The COVID-19 pandemic led to a rise in impaired-driving deaths, with increased drinking, reduced policing, and changes in alcohol sales policies all playing a role. As the world emerges from the pandemic, addressing these factors could help reduce impaired-driving deaths and make roads safer.
