Studies show Americans drove Faster in 2020 compared to 2019

Although the COVID-19 pandemic may be causing Americans to drive less, many of those who do get behind the wheel are apparently driving faster. AAA cautions drivers that slightly higher speeds reduce the effectiveness of safety equipment and increase the driver’s risk of severe injury or death.  The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety conducted a new crash test study with the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and Humanetics, to demonstrate the dangers of going fast. AAA-The Auto Club Group provided funding for the crash test research.  Crashes were conducted at three different impact speeds, 40, 50, and 56mph.  At the 40mph impact speed, there was minimal intrusion into the driver’s space. But at the 50 mph impact speed, there was noticeable deformation of the driver side door opening, the dashboard and the foot area.  At 56mph, the vehicle interior was significantly compromised, with the dummy’s sensors registering severe neck injuries and a likelihood of fractures to the long bones in the lower leg.  AAA found that a speeding driver may arrive at their destination a few minutes faster, but the tradeoff of getting severely injured or even losing one’s life is not worth the risk.