Traffic deaths are piling up on Pennsylvania’s roadways, and many fatal crashes taking place across Pennsylvania and the nation share similar characteristics in common. The increase in traffic fatalities in Pennsylvania mirrors national trends. This raises questions about what states and communities might do to make their roadways safer for drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians.
Per Erie News Now, national traffic deaths rose 12% during the first nine months of 2021 in comparison with the same stretch of time the year prior.
Pennsylvania traffic fatality statistics
In Pennsylvania, road deaths rose 10% during the first nine months of 2021 when compared to the first nine months of 2020. Injury-involved crashes also continue to be a problem on state roadways, with one central Pennsylvania-based emergency responder responding to more than 1,950 injury-involved crashes in 2021. Many of those 1,950 wrecks resulted in traumatic injuries.
Pennsylvania traffic death contributors
Many of 2020 and 2021’s fatal and nonfatal traffic crashes resulted from motorists behaving recklessly. Many such crashes involved drivers traveling well above the posted speed limit. Distracted driving crashes and wrecks involving teens between the ages of 16 and 17 have also increased. So, too, have the number of fatal crashes involving drivers or passengers who were not wearing seat belts when the crashes occurred. Research suggests that 94% of the fatal crash victims who were not wearing seat belts at the time of their deaths would have survived had they had seat belts on.
Motorists who engage in reckless driving behaviors and hurt or kill other drivers or passengers may face serious sanctions in the aftermath.
