Assessing the effect of COVID-19 travel and work restrictions on vehicle
trips: A naturalistic driving case study
Abstract
Abstract:
This project aims to identify the impact of the Commonwealth of Virginia
government’s response to COVID-19 on travel behavior using naturalistic
driving data. While the macroscopic effects of these restrictions on
travel are easily observable through substantial shifts in aggregate
vehicle volumes on roadways, microscopic observation of unique trips and
unique drivers may yield additional useful insights. In an ongoing
naturalistic driving study in Southwest Virginia that will be the basis
for this investigation, approximately 40 personal vehicles were
instrumented with data acquisition systems prior to the first
recommendations to stay at home to reduce the rate of spread of the
virus. Data collection has continued throughout the pandemic, as
restrictions have continued to evolve. Analyzing this driving data over
the course of the COVID-19 progression timeline (and associated
restrictions on travel and work) for trip volume, trip purpose, trip
duration, trip distance, destination variability, and other similar
characteristics will help inform how the restrictions have impacted
microscopic travel behavior. The data will also be used to provide
similar insight into how travel is affected as restrictions are eased.