Young Drivers of Canada research division YD Labs (“Young Drivers”) has found that U.S. Presidential election days continue to be particularly deadly when compared to New Years and Super Bowl driving death rates based upon NHTSA data for 2012, 2016 and 2020.

Methods

Young Drivers analyzed U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System of fatal motor vehicle crashes in the United States for 2012, 2016 and 2020, with no filtering for crash characteristics or scenarios/events, isolating presidential election dates during the hours of polling (defined as 8:00 AM to 7:59 PM local time). For each Presidential Election year the same local hours for New years Day and Super Bowl Sundays were used as comparison days for the number of individuals in fatal crashes at those times.

Results

The average net increase in risk for election years 2012, 2016, 2020, was about  38% increase in deaths on election day compared to Super Bowl Sunday and about a 80% increase in deaths compared to New Years day. Notably, the risk was highest on the date of the 2016 election with an approximate 58% increase in deaths compared to Super Bowl Sunday and 146% increase in deaths compared to New Year’s day.

This trend of higher death on Presidential Election days was also previously identified in a study by a Canadian and American, Redelmeier, D.A., and R. J. Tibshirani. 2008. Driving fatalities on U.S. presidential election days. Journal of the American Medical Association 300:1518–1520.

Why is the Presidential Election Day so Dangerous?

The unique nature of Presidential Election Days poses several compounded risks for drivers, including:

1. Driving Anxiety: The need to fit in time to vote, find the voting location, park, and stand in line, can increase drivers’ anxiety and stress on the road.

2. Driving Distractions: Whether from navigating to unfamiliar polling locations or discussing election issues while driving—these distractions can take drivers’ focus off the road.

3. Increased Traffic Volume: With millions of voters heading to polling stations throughout the day, roads are busier than usual, particularly during rush hours. The pressure to get to polling places, combined with regular work and school commutes, creates congested streets and highways, leading to more opportunities for collisions.

4. Rushed  Driving: Many voters find themselves rushing to the polls before or after work, increasing the likelihood of speeding and erratic driving behavior.

5. Unfamiliar Routes and Rerouting: In many cases, voters travel to polling stations outside their usual routine, leading them to take unfamiliar roads. This lack of familiarity can increase the risk of accidents, particularly when it comes to making quick turns or stops or navigating detours due to local road closures near polling stations.

6. Reduced Police Presence: With law enforcement often assigned to manage security and crowds at voting centers, routine traffic patrols may be reduced. This lower police visibility on the roads can lead to less enforcement of speed limits and impaired driving regulations, further increasing the danger.

7. Unfit and Mobilized Drivers: Election Day can mobilize large numbers of individuals, including some who may not typically drive or those in poor physical or mental condition to do so. Whether due to age, medical issues, or simple inexperience, some drivers on Election Day may present higher risks to themselves and others.

Call for Election Safety Campaigns

To address this alarming trend electioneers and public officials are urged to include safety warnings alongside their messages encouraging voter participation. Voters should be reminded to plan their trips carefully, allow extra time to reach polling stations, and avoid distractions while driving. Additionally, local governments are encouraged to bolster traffic enforcement on Presidential Election Day to mitigate the risks and ensure safer roads for everyone. With the next election fast approaching, safety should be prioritized, ensuring that voters can cast their ballots without becoming part of a tragic statistic. For more information please visit our website www.yd.com or contact us at 416 322-7000