Highway fatalities rising in Pennsylvania

Feb. 22, 2011
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is reporting a disturbing trend on its highways: an increase in vehicular crash deaths

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is reporting a disturbing trend on its highways: an increase in vehicular crash deaths.

PennDOT said the Commonwealth’s highway fatalities climbed to 1,324 in 2010, an increase of 68 from 2009, according to Acting PennDOT Secretary Barry Schoch. However, while still too high, the level remains well below those reported several decades ago, he stressed: For example, in 1990, there were 1,646 traffic deaths in Pennsylvania, while in 1970, there were 2,255 fatalities.

Unbuckled fatalities increased to 524 last year, up from 451 in 2009, as the seat-belt use rate in Pennsylvania reached 86% in 2010.

Fatalities in crashes that involved a 16- or 17-year-old driver increased from 40 in 2009 to 57 last year, while highway fatalities involving drivers aged 65 and older dropped from 276 to 266 within the same time period.

Alcohol-related deaths increased from 442 in 2009 to 444 last year, fatalities in work zones dropped to 21 in 2010 from 23 a year earlier, speeding-related jumped from 231 in 2009 to 284 in 2010, while aggressive-driving-related deaths increased from 130 to 168.

Sponsored Recommendations

Heavy-Duty Maintenance Checklist

A maintenance checklist can help ensure you hit everything necessary during an inspection. Check out our free downloadable checklist to help streamline your repairs.

Five Ways a Little Data Can Save Your Company Millions

While most trucking and logistics companies rely on cellular to keep their work fleet connected, satellite has the ability to connect anywhere and through small data transmission...

Fleet Case Study: 15% YOY Growth for ITDS

Learn how this small trucking company scaled significantly and maintained outstanding customer service without adding additional people. Sylectus TMS can automate operations and...

Unlocking Fleet Safety & Efficiency: The Managed Service Advantage

Want to boost your fleet's safety and efficiency? Tune in now to discover the power of Managed Services in optimizing your safety program, streamlining operations, and making ...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!