Author Information

Fanny KristianssonFollow

Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?

Graduate

Project Type

individual

Campus

Daytona Beach

Authors' Class Standing

Fanny Kristiansson, Graduate

Lead Presenter's Name

Fanny Kristiansson

Faculty Mentor Name

Dr. Scott Parr

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Abstract

The purpose of this research was to assess, compare, and contrast the impact of COVID-19 activity restrictions on road-based transportation activity in regions of the US, Sweden, and China. Roadway traffic volumes were used to relate the progression of reported COVID-19 cases and government directives for social separation in three countries with diverse governmental responses. Among the contributions of this paper was the illustration of the timeline and level of public responses to closures and lockdowns, as represented through rapid traffic decreases, across the study countries. By the end of the study period (March 1 – May 31, 2020), only China had returned to pre-pandemic traffic levels, while the traffic in the US and Sweden remained considerably below pre-pandemic levels. At the end of the study period, only China reported zero COVID-19 cases, while the US and Sweden continued to report new daily cases with increases in numbers. The results of this study also illustrate the progression of the pandemic, based on governmental directives and compliance, as measured through roadway traffic detectors in individual countries. This research provides insights for practitioners, researchers, and government entities developing and accessing plans for future pandemics.

Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?

Yes, Student Internal Grants

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Traffic Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic: International Analysis of Social Separation and Activity Restriction

The purpose of this research was to assess, compare, and contrast the impact of COVID-19 activity restrictions on road-based transportation activity in regions of the US, Sweden, and China. Roadway traffic volumes were used to relate the progression of reported COVID-19 cases and government directives for social separation in three countries with diverse governmental responses. Among the contributions of this paper was the illustration of the timeline and level of public responses to closures and lockdowns, as represented through rapid traffic decreases, across the study countries. By the end of the study period (March 1 – May 31, 2020), only China had returned to pre-pandemic traffic levels, while the traffic in the US and Sweden remained considerably below pre-pandemic levels. At the end of the study period, only China reported zero COVID-19 cases, while the US and Sweden continued to report new daily cases with increases in numbers. The results of this study also illustrate the progression of the pandemic, based on governmental directives and compliance, as measured through roadway traffic detectors in individual countries. This research provides insights for practitioners, researchers, and government entities developing and accessing plans for future pandemics.

 

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