Quantifying the impact of COVID-19 on driving behavior and mobility patterns: A four-country comparative overview

• The impact of COVID-19 on driving behavior, mobility patterns and road safety was explored. • A logistic regression model was conducted to identify the relationship between lockdown measures with exposure and behavioral indicators. • Speeding and harsh events were increased during the lockdown period. • A significant decrease in traffic volumes and numbers of people walking was demonstrated − The crash rate per driving volumes in Greece increased significantly during lockdown periods. The COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped our cities in many ways with dramatic effects on typical patterns of movement, driving behavior and road crashes. The objective of this study was to quantify the impact of COVID-19 on driving behavior, mobility patterns and road safety through the exploitation of data from sensors via a smartphone application developed by OSeven Telematics. To achieve this goal, a random dataset from its database from 29/12/2019 to 31/12/2020 for four countries (i.e. Greece, Saudi Arabia, Cyprus and Brazil) was collected and analyzed. A logistic regression model was conducted to identify the relationship between COVID-19 restrictions and lockdown measures with exposure and behavioral indicators. The results revealed that speeding percentage, average driving speed, as well as harsh events (except for Cyprus) were increased during the lockdown period. Moreover, a significant decrease in traffic volumes and numbers of people walking in each country was demonstrated during the pandemic. Interestingly, it was found that the crash rate per driving volumes in Greece increased significantly during lockdown periods, implying that lower traffic congestion encouraged riskier driving behaviors. The findings highlighted the need for enhanced traffic law enforcement, smart traffic management solutions and sustainable mobility planning to mitigate the heightened road safety risks observed during lockdown periods. Measures such as speed monitoring during low congestion, dynamic speed limits, improved pedestrian infrastructure and public awareness campaigns should be prioritized to promote safer traveling patterns in future mobility disruptions.