Motorized Two-Wheeled Vehicles Contribute Disproportionately to the Increase in Pandemic-Period Road Traffic Fatalities in New York State.

Background

New York State, like many other states, experienced a significant increase in road traffic deaths during the COVID-19 pandemic that is not fully understood. Our earlier work using the Safe System framework suggests a shift in the distribution of vehicle types that may have contributed to this phenomenon.

Methods

To further investigate this, variables from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS) were mapped onto the Safe System framework and used to examine factors associated with motorized two- and three-wheeled vehicle deaths. Two time periods were examined: pre-pandemic (1 April 2017-31 December 2019, n = 428) and the COVID-19 pandemic era (1 April 2020-31 December 2022, n = 600). A buffer pandemic transition period (1 January 2020-31 March 2020) was excluded. Percent difference, chi-square tests, and multivariable logistic regression (OR, 95% CI) were used.

Results

Compared to pre-COVID-19, pandemic-period motorized two-wheeled deaths were 40.2% higher, helmet wearing lower (80.2% vs. 90.6%, p < 0.0001), urban roadway deaths higher (76.7% vs. 64.0%, p < 0.0001), and fully licensed drivers lower (78.4% vs. 89.9%, p < 0.0001), with unlicensed drivers doubling between the two periods (8.7% to 17.6%, p < 0.0001). Deaths associated with mopeds/motor scooters/minibikes increased 361.5% between study periods, from 3% to 10% of motorized two-wheeled deaths. Adjusted multivariable risk factors for pandemic-period death were age 30-39 years (1.601, 1.155-2.311), being unhelmeted (3.191, 2.109-4.968), being in an urban area (1.898, 1.425-2.533), being unlicensed (1.968, 1.228-33.216) and riding an off-road motorcycle (3.753. 1.391-13.063), moped or motor scooter/minibike (3.540, 1.971-6.842).

Conclusions

Total mortality was higher in the COVID-19-era timeframe, with the increase differing significantly by vehicle type, helmet use, licensure status, and urbanization. Due to the increase in motorized two-wheeled vehicles, they should be incorporated into surveillance systems and injury prevention strategies.