Pennsylvania Driver Crash Statistics 2023

Pennsylvania’s 2023 crash data is out, and it’s got us thinking about road safety. Our York car accident lawyers are here to break down the data and share some important tips about staying safe on Pennsylvania roads.

How many car accidents happened in 2023?

In 2023, Pennsylvania reported 110,382 car accidents, which is a slight decrease from 2022’s total of 115,938. Still, these numbers remind us that there’s still much work to do to protect drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and cyclists.

Which counties had the most crashes?

Three counties in Pennsylvania – Philadelphia, Allegheny, and Bucks – are hotspots for car accidents. This is because, together, they account for nearly a quarter of all crashes in the state. The numbers aren’t surprising, as these urban areas are packed with people and traffic.

Where are the fatalities happening?

Several counties also see a high number of fatal accidents. In 2023, over 1,100 people lost their lives on Pennsylvania’s roads. Philadelphia, Allegheny, and Bucks were among the worst-hit counties. This trend has been consistent over the past five years.

Pedestrian fatalities

Pedestrian safety is also a major concern here in Pennsylvania. In 2023, two-thirds of all pedestrian deaths happened in just nine counties out of PA’s 67 counties, including our usual suspects – Philadelphia, Allegheny, and Bucks Counties.

Alcohol-related fatalities

Drunk driving is still a big problem in Pennsylvania. In 2023, alcohol-related crashes claimed over 300 lives. Six counties account for 28% of all alcohol-related fatalities. Once again, Philadelphia, Allegheny, and Bucks were among the counties with the highest number of these tragic deaths. The good news is that, over the past five years, alcohol-related fatalities have been decreasing.

Seat belt usage

Seat belt usage varies widely across the state. Urban counties like Philadelphia reported the lowest seat belt usage rates in crashes, with just 48% of drivers buckling up. In contrast, rural counties like Fulton reported seat belt usage as high as 88%.

Some of the counties with the lowest seat belt usage rates in 2023 include Philadelphia, Lawrence, Beaver, and Cameron.

Urban vs. rural counties

Urban counties like Philadelphia are bustling areas full of people and traffic. This can lead to more accidents, especially for pedestrians. Unfortunately, as mentioned, many city drivers don’t always buckle up, which can have devastating consequences.

Rural areas, like Forest County, are more quiet and less populated. But the roads can still be dangerous, with higher speed limits and fewer guardrails. Plus, if an accident happens in a remote area, it can take longer for emergency services to reach the scene.

Engineering districts

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) divides the state into 11 engineering districts to analyze crash data. In 2023, Engineering District 6, which includes Philadelphia and its surrounding counties, reported the highest number of crashes, at 30,294. This makes sense, given the district’s large population density and major roadways.

Trends over time

Over the past five years, the total number of crashes and fatalities has shown some fluctuation. For example:

• 2019: 125,267 crashes
• 2020: 104,475 crashes (likely impacted by reduced travel during the pandemic)
• 2021: 117,899 crashes
• 2022: 115,938 crashes
• 2023: 110,382 crashes

What are the areas for improvement?

The data shows that Pennsylvania’s roads could be safer. Legislators and law enforcement can help bring down these numbers by:

• Encouraging more people to wear seat belts, especially in cities like Philly.
• Improving pedestrian safety with better crosswalks and street lighting is a must, especially in areas with high foot traffic.
• Pushing to reduce drunk driving through stricter laws and public awareness campaigns.
• Improving rural roads with safety features like rumble strips and investing in better emergency services.

What can I do to stay safe on Pennsylvania’s roads?

We all have a role to play in making our roads safer. Here are a few steps any driver can take:

• Wear your seat belt. It’s one of the simplest ways to protect yourself in a crash.
• Stay off your phone; focus on driving.
• Plan for a designated driver or use a rideshare service if you’ve been drinking.
• Especially in urban areas, stay alert for people crossing the street or biking.

How can your York car accident lawyers help?

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, you don’t have to go through the legal process alone. From dealing with insurance companies to understanding your legal rights, having an experienced car accident lawyer on your side can make all the difference. At KBG Injury Law, our York car accident attorneys are dedicated to helping accident victims recover the compensation they deserve. Whether you’re dealing with medical bills, lost wages, or pain and suffering, we’re here to fight for you.

Have you or a loved one been injured in a car accident in Pennsylvania? You don’t have to deal with the aftermath alone. At KBG Injury Law, our dedicated York car accident attorneys are here to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Please call our offices or submit our contact form today to schedule a free consultation.