September 30, 2008 Study links elections, fatal car crashes Play video

(NECN/ABC) - When you head to voting polls this November, be extra careful on the road. A new study finds that U.S. presidential elections are linked to an increase in fatal car crashes.

Researchers studied traffic accidents during presidential elections dating back to Jimmy Carter and consistently found a greater number of deaths than on ordinary Tuesdays.

116 million people voted in the last presidential election - a record total that may be shattered this November.

But as voters flood the roadways, they'll be facing an increased risk for serious car crashes, according to a new report from the University of Toronto.

Researchers studied traffic fatalities for all U.S. presidential elections from Jimmy Carter in 1976 through George W. Bush in 2004.

They found that - compared to ordinary Tuesdays in November - election days had a higher number of traffic deaths - 13 per hour compared to the usual rate of 11 per hour.a bigger spike than is seen on Superbowl Sunday.

The authors speculate many factors contribute to the problem -- drivers may be more distracted than normal, people may be driving along unfamiliar streets as they go to voting booths, and some impaired drivers, such as the elderly, may be on the road in greater numbers.

Experts say you can protect yourself by paying extra attention and following all the rules of the road on this special day.

ABC's Dr. Timothy Johnson reports.