Okay, is it an urban myth that US presidential election days are associated with an increase in traffic fatalities? Some people are concerned about this trend and want to take action. Re-analysis raises concerns about the possibility of increased traffic fatalities on election day. The original study claimed an 18% increase, but there is no quantitative support for this.
Analyzing Risks
Redelmeier and Tibshirani’s study claims that there is an increase in traffic fatalities on presidential election days in the United States. Data analysis suggests that fatal crashes have increased by 18%, surpassing accident rates on Super Bowl Sundays.
Fan Zhang and Peter M. Aronow challenge this assertion, claiming that such election day risks are neither statistically nor substantively significant. They contend that original findings may have overstated risks due to methodological considerations.
Redelmeier and Tibshirani examined U.S. presidential elections from 1976 to 2004, revealing an average of 24 deaths per election. This translates to approximately 800 disabling injuries caused by increased traffic and reduced police supervision. While the reanalysis questions these results, experts call for proactive traffic control and public safety measures, especially near voting sites.
WNC is sick of the big election people coming here, massively interrupting traffic. It doesn't matter who they are – we are sick of it.
We are on life support when it comes to our roads, and it just surges when they get here. It's a stand still every direction the day of.
— ⚔𝕻𝖆𝖓𝖙𝖞⚔ (@Panty_Christ) October 28, 2024
Contributing Factors
Hurried voters, potential driver distractions, and emotionally charged environments are all driving factors on presidential election days. High emotions and last-minute decisions can lead to unsafe maneuvers, increasing the risk of a crash. The original study does not advocate voting suppression, but rather incorporates safety warnings into election messages.
“Electioneers and public officials are urged to include safety precautions in their messages encouraging voter participation. Voters should be reminded to carefully plan their trips, allow extra time to get to polling places, and avoid distractions while driving. – Maria Bagdonas
While competing analyses continue to debate traffic risks, experts emphasize the importance of strict enforcement of traffic laws. One of the recommended strategies is to promote public transportation on election day to reduce fatalities associated with increased road use.
I've said it once, and I'll say it again. Being a truck driver driving from Phoenix to California every day. The week before the election traffic headed east is heavier the normal. The day after the election traffic headed west to California is unbearable.
— DarthB0B™ (@DarthB0B) November 1, 2024
Driving Policy Changes
As future presidential elections approach in the United States, reducing traffic fatalities becomes a policy priority. Authorities argue that addressing road safety and voter turnout on election days is critical.
Aside from encouraging safe driving practices such as seatbelt use and speed control, public education about potential driving hazards during elections should be reinforced.
Promoting anticipatory measures, such as increased traffic enforcement, can help to ensure voters’ safety. While reporting election-related traffic fatalities raises concerns, better solutions and awareness may prevent such tragedies in future election cycles.
Sources:
- Driving fatalities on US presidential election days: a reanalysis
- On Election Day, Use Extra Caution When Driving
