Analyzing the latest car accident statistics for Pennsylvania and the leading causes of crashes
The latest car accident statistics provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation are from 2017. The data from 2017 was positive in terms of the overall fatality rate being a record low of 1,137. However, that still means that well over a thousand people in Pennsylvania lost their lives in car accidents in 2017. That amounts to at least 3 people dying in a car accident every day in Pennsylvania.
While some aspects of safety have improved, to say Pennsylvania’s roads are generally safe is inaccurate. Improved auto technology has helped decrease the fatality rate but we’re still seeing a massive number of accidents occur that result in economic loss for the entire state.
Car accidents of all types are not only costly in terms of property damage and medical bills but also extremely dangerous in terms of short- and long-term injury effects and how they affect people’s lives. If you are injured in a car accident and aren’t protected through experienced legal representation then you may be vulnerable to the tactics of insurance adjusters who will stop at nothing to diminish your recovery and compensation.
Mattiacci Law, LLC is comprised of some of the very best Philadelphia & New Jersey Personal Injury Lawyers who have helped countless clients receive their rightful compensation after car accidents, and we’re here to help you and your family too. If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for a free consultation so we can go over the details of your case and begin the initial steps towards devising a legal strategy to obtain your fair and rightful compensation.
Highlighted 2017 Car Accident Statistics
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s 2017 study is a rather extensive document of over 70 pages, and we have highlighted some of the more important statistics and laid them out in a bulleted list for you here:
- Throughout 2017, about 15 crashes per hour occurred.
- About three people died each day in Pennsylvania as a result of car accidents.
- There was approximately a $1,414 economic loss for every individual (man, woman, and child) throughout Pennsylvania as a result of traffic crashes.
- 2017 experienced a total of 128,188 reported car crashes and 1,137 fatalities.
- Compared to the rest of the country, Pennsylvania had an average of between one and two fewer deaths per 100,000 people.
- When you compare 2017 to previous years, there was a 1% increase in reported crashes, a 4.3% decrease in total deaths, and a 2.8% decrease in injuries.
- A majority of the 2017 Pennsylvania car crashes entailed drivers colliding with fixed objects, and other common types of crashes included rear endings and angled collisions.
- The most common driving errors that were associated with car crashes in 2017 included distracted driving, drunk driving, speeding, and improper turns.
- Throughout almost every age group, men were more likely to be involved in accidents than women.
- The United States has the highest rates of car accident deaths when compared to other high-income countries. Every year over 32,000 people across the nation die, and millions are injured while traveling on roadways.
Leading Causes of Car Accidents in Pennsylvania
There are a lot of contributing factors and overall causes that lead to accidents throughout Pennsylvania, but the most common include the following:
- Driver Error: By far the most common causes of car crashes are ubiquitous driver errors, which includes a whole array of costly mistakes. When it comes down to it, there would be far fewer accidents if everyone paid more attention in terms of following the rules of the road and abiding by all safety recommendations.
- Drunk Driving: Drinking and driving are technically defined as operating a vehicle while having over a .08% BAC level, and this is always considered negligent behavior. Alcohol is detrimental in terms of motor skill functionality, reaction times and overall judgment. Many drunk-driving cases will also provide opportunities for plaintiffs to seek punitive damages as a result of gross negligence.
- Distracted Driving: There is a multitude of activities that can cause a driver’s attention to stray from the roadways. These activities include eating, looking through a bag, texting/looking at a phone, putting on makeup, fidgeting with the radio/screens, reaching into the backseat, swerving to avoid potholes, and much more. There are several ways in which our attorneys will utilize event data recorders, accident recreation technology, witness statements, phone records, and traffic recordings to help prove that a driver was distracted at the time of an accident.
- Speeding: Speeding is something that can always be a contributing factor in the outcome of a car accident case, and evaluating a defendant’s speed at the time of a collision in order to help prove the defendant is at fault for the damages.
- Reckless Driving: There are a lot of examples of reckless driving that ultimately lead to accidents and injuries, some of which include speeding, tailgating, unsafe lane changes and disregarding traffic signals and conditions.
- Not following roadway rules: It’s crucial that all Pennsylvania drivers understand and consistently follow every rule of the road when they get behind the wheel. This includes following all road signs, stopping for pedestrians/cyclists, and being aware of traffic conditions.
- Car Defects and Malfunctions: There are some instances in which an internal defect within a vehicle is the ultimate cause of an accident. These cases often require an intensive investigation to uncover the malfunction and potential manufacturing defects. Our team has ample experience handling product liability claims, and we’ll pursue the manufacturers responsible for a vehicle’s defect as carefully and thoroughly as possible.
Contact Mattiacci Law, LLC Today for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been involved in a car accident then you’re going to need the right legal representation to ensure that you get the maximum compensation that’s available to you. Contact us today so we can help you take the important first steps towards deciphering what your best legal options are.
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