Crash data in NZ shows that from 2019 to 2020, the total number of reported crashes in NZ decreased by around 28%. This is a substantial decrease, and far greater than the equivalent preceding time period (2018/2019), which had a 4% decrease. Also, crash reductions for cyclists (20%) and pedestrians (23%) are substantial, though slightly less.

Overall, when accounting for the crash trend, the number of Death/Serious Injury (DSI) crashes that occurred in NZ during 2020 was around 288 less than expected. Covid-19 lockdowns during 2020 appear to be the main reason behind the substantial downward crash trend during 2020.

Data from the UK exhibits a similar trend. Traffic collisions in the UK in the 12 months up to June 2020 dropped 16%, while road deaths fell by 14%, compared to the equivalent period in the preceding year. However, the drop in road deaths and casualties is directly linked to the reduction in traffic as a result of national lockdown restrictions from the Covid-19 pandemic, with significant crash reductions specifically during lockdowns.

Also, while the reduction in overall casualties is good news for road safety generally, the reduction in casualties for cyclists were less impressive, with the number of cyclists killed or seriously injured down just 4%. Cycle numbers increased during lockdowns, which could explain the reduced crash savings for cyclists.

For more information, see the original UK article at:
https://www.worldhighways.com/wh12/news/uk-sees-road-safety-gain-2020