Enhancing crisis resilience for future emergencies: A rapid review of road safety outcomes and reported measures during the COVID-19 pandemic.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted mobility patterns and road usage, raising significant road safety concerns. It remains unclear whether governments worldwide implemented effective road safety measures (RSMs) to address the resulting fluctuations in traffic collisions, injuries, and fatalities. This study aims to: (a) identify global RSMs implemented, discussed or proposed during the pandemic to mitigate traffic-related incidents, and (b) explore their relevance, precision, and applicability in future crises.

METHODS

A systematic search of public health, transportation, and multidisciplinary databases (PubMed and Scopus) was conducted for studies published between 2019 and the present. This rapid review followed PRISMA and Cochrane Collaboration rapid review guidelines and was registered with PROSPERO (CRD420250599564). Inclusion criteria encompassed observational and quasi-experimental studies examining road safety measures implemented or proposed during the COVID-19 pandemic to address traffic-related incidents. Study selection and data extraction were conducted systematically, and findings were synthesized narratively.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine studies (published between 2020 and 2024) were included in the review. Findings highlight five key research clusters: (1) changes in crash frequency and severity, (2) risky driving behaviors, (3) regional variation in RSMs, (4) innovative measurement methods, and (5) crisis-responsive interventions. RSMs identified during the pandemic include speed control, traffic flow management, and protection of vulnerable road users, with a strong focus on data-driven approaches. However, some measures, especially behavioral interventions, remain underdeveloped and need further evaluation.

CONCLUSION

This review highlights the need for a comprehensive, crisis-resilient road safety approach integrating enforcement, behavioral interventions, and infrastructure improvements. This approach should not only address immediate crises but also support long-term road safety enhancements and preparedness for future public health emergencies.