The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation recently released a report shedding light on the alarming frequency of dangerous motor vehicle accidents in the Keystone State. These statistics underscore the harsh reality faced by individuals whose lives have been dramatically changed or tragically cut short due to these incidents.
Rooney Philly Lawyer’s committed legal team specializes in helping victims and their families in securing justice and financial support following serious car accidents. If you find yourself in need of legal assistance after an accident in Pennsylvania, contact Rooney Philly Lawyer for help with your legal claim.
Annual Car Accident Figures in PA In 2020
Pennsylvania witnessed around 104,475 reported car accidents, resulting in 1,100 fatalities, according to PennDOT. This equates to an average of 286 reportable traffic crashes each day, or approximately 12 incidents every hour. On a daily basis, these crashes led to 168 reported injuries (roughly 7 per hour) and, sadly, three fatalities.
Risk of Involvement in a Car Accident
The likelihood of being part of a car accident in Pennsylvania is higher than many might realize. Approximately one in every 57 individuals on the road will experience a traffic accident. Furthermore, the chances of sustaining an injury in such an incident are significant, with one in every 209 drivers facing this unfortunate circumstance. The statistics also reveal that one in 11,339 individuals may lose their life in a car accident in PA, emphasizing the critical need for road safety precautions.
Car Crash Breakdown by Vehicle Type
Analyzing car crashes by vehicle type provides valuable insights into the most significant risks. Passenger cars top the list, with 88,763 vehicles involved in accidents in 2020, highlighting their prevalence on the road and associated risks. Light trucks, vans, and SUVs followed closely with 65,715 vehicles involved, while heavy trucks weighing at least 10,000 pounds accounted for 6,905 accidents. Motorcycles were involved in 3,503 incidents, emphasizing the vulnerabilities of two-wheelers. Bicycles, commercial buses, and a miscellaneous category labeled “Other” contributed to the diverse range of vehicles involved in accidents, emphasizing the need for tailored safety measures.
Common Causes of Car Crashes
Behavioral patterns among drivers contribute significantly to car crashes in Pennsylvania. Speeding takes the lead as the primary cause, contributing to 25,021 accidents. Distracted driving, improper turning, proceeding without clearance, drunk driving, improper passing, tailgating, and drowsy driving are other notable causes, highlighting the need for increased awareness and adherence to road safety measures.
Common Types of Car Accidents
The spectrum of car accidents varies widely, with hitting a fixed object, angle crashes, rear-end collisions, direct collisions, sideswipe accidents, accidents involving pedestrians, non-collision events, backing-up accidents, and a category labeled “Other” accounting for different types of incidents. Understanding these patterns is crucial for developing targeted safety initiatives.
Timing, Age Groups, and Locations of Car Crashes
Fridays emerge as the peak day for accidents, with Wednesdays following closely. Specific age groups, particularly individuals between 16 and 30, are more prone to accidents. State highways, excluding interstates, witness the majority of accidents, providing valuable insights for targeted safety campaigns.
Economic Losses Caused by Traffic Accidents
The financial toll of car accidents is substantial, with fatal injury-related crashes alone costing approximately $14.2 billion in 2020. These figures underscore the need for effective safety measures and awareness programs to reduce both human and economic burdens.
Alcohol-Related Car Accidents
Alcohol-related accidents disproportionately affect certain age groups and genders, with drivers aged 31 to 35 being most severely impacted. Male drivers represent 74% of these accidents, emphasizing the vulnerability of this demographic.
Most Dangerous Counties & Roads
Philadelphia leads in reported incidents, followed by Allegheny County and Montgomery County. Specific roads, such as Delaware Expressway and Lincoln Highway in Philadelphia, require special attention for safety improvements and law enforcement efforts.
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, contact Rooney Philly Lawyer’s attorneys today to explore the compensation you may be entitled to for an accident where you were not deemed at fault.
