COVID-19 lockdown and reduction of traffic accidents in Tarragona province, Spain

This paper analyses the impact that the lockdown decreed by the Spanish Government to combat COVID-19 has had on traffic accidents in Tarragona province (Spain) The number of traffic accidents registered during the first six weeks of lockdown (March 16–April 26) was compared to those reported in the previous six weeks (February 3–March 15) The number of collisions registered during these two periods was also compared to those registered in the equivalent weeks of 2018–2019 During lockdown, the number of traffic accidents fell by 74% compared to the period before lockdown and by 76% with respect to the equivalent period in 2018–2019 This reduction of accidents has been higher than the decrease of mobility during that period (55%) This suggests a multiplicative positive effect of traffic reduction on roads safety Our findings provide new evidences of the disruptive effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on transportation and of how it could be used as a catalyst to promote more sustainable and secure transport systems