‘Dangerous Driving Behaviors’ Blamed for Rise in Car Crash Deaths During Pandemic in California

Data show more California drivers died from car crashes in 2022 compared with pre-pandemic levels of 2018, a trend researchers said shows fewer drivers on the road doesn’t necessarily mean fewer fatal accidents. According to the June report by Consumer Affairs—a website that specializes in consumer news—such deaths rose by 17 percent in 2022 versus 2018 despite pandemic slowdowns on commuting and travel and the state’s population decreasing. Less congested roads brought on more speeding and reckless driving, which led to an increase in car crash fatalities, according to experts cited in the report. They say the trend has since continued, with early estimates for 2023 suggesting fatalities still remain above prepandemic levels....