No matter where you hit the road, the chances of an accident always exist. Even if you try to remain the safest driver that you can be, drivers whose actions you cannot control will fill the roadways. As a result, someone else’s negligence or recklessness could result in an accident that leaves you seriously injured or someone you love with fatal injuries.
While the hope is always to avoid a collision and arrive at your destinations safely, fatal accidents and those that cause serious injuries are common. In fact, various types of roadway incidents have seen an increase in the number of fatalities in Pennsylvania.
2020 statistics
The most recent statistics available from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation show that the total number of fatal car accidents decreased when compared to statistics from 2016. However, there was a 6% increase in roadway fatalities in the state, and the following categories of accidents specifically have seen an increase in fatal incidents from 2019 to 2020:
- Motorcycle accidents, which saw an increase of 174 fatalities
- Single-vehicle accidents in which the vehicle ran off the roadway, which saw 447 more fatalities in 2020
- Speeding accidents, which increased by 162 fatalities
- Accidents on local roads, which went up by 186 fatalities
There was no definitive reason noted for these increases, particularly since they occurred during the pandemic. Nonetheless, statistics also indicated that there was an 8% increase in roadway fatalities nationwide.
Helping to lower the statistics
The vast majority of fatal incidents across the country — over 90% — resulted from driver behavior, likely meaning negligent or reckless actions. These issues can relate to distraction, fatigue, speeding, erratic driving and more. Often, these contributing factors are avoidable when drivers focus and remain committed to safe driving. As a result, drivers could also avoid fatal incidents.
Doing your part could go a long way in better ensuring safe arrival at your destinations. However, if the unthinkable does occur and you lose a loved one in a roadway accident caused by another driver, you may want to explore your legal options. Filing a wrongful death claim against the driver considered at fault and other liable parties could allow you to seek compensation for damages resulting from the incident, including pain and suffering, funeral expenses, lost wages, final medical expenses and more.