Due to “riskier behavior” road deaths increased sharply during the COVID-19 pandemic though fewer drivers were on the nation’s highways, according to new research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. “As the COVID-19 pandemic swept across the country it led to fewer drivers on the roads and a significant reduction in the number of miles driven. “And yet, U.S. government data shows traffic fatalities have surged, along with an increase in crashes involving impairment, speeding, red-light running, aggressiveness, and non-seatbelt use, to its highest level in over a decade,” the foundation said in a statement. The survey found that while most drivers had reduced driving during the pandemic, “a small proportion” actually increased miles behind the wheel. “Making matters worse, those who increased their driving appeared to be riskier than average, even after accounting for their age, gender, and how much they drove,” according to the foundation’s American Driving Survey released …