New Interactive Traffic Study for Pennsylvania Shows Traffic Crashes Cost Every Man, Woman and Child $1,103
PHILADELPHIA, March 9, 2017 -- Every day three people are killed in traffic accidents while traveling Pennsylvania's roadways. Using data provided by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, the organizers behind Keep Highways Safe (KHS) are on a mission to lower the number of fatalities and injuries that occur on the state's roadways.
"Far too many people lose their lives behind the wheel. While we can't stop accidents entirely from happening, we can do our part to reduce them," stated attorney, Jay Solnick. "That's why we launched KHS and created this interactive study—the first of its kind for the state. When you know better, you can do better."
The interactive study explores five-year accident trends, economic losses, crashes by age, total crashes by county, types of vehicles involved in crashes and so much more.
"The study also shows what days of the week, hours of the days and months of the year drivers are more likely to get into accidents," stated Solnick. "When drivers are aware of the times of the day that make them more susceptible to wrecks, they may be more inclined to drive more carefully or choose safer driving hours all together."
According to KHS, of the 20,327 total crashes, most occurred on Friday, followed by the weekend. Those three days are when more traffic fatalities occurred as well. Crashes and deaths were also higher during peak travel times, specifically between 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM.
In 2015, 40% of crash deaths involved passenger car occupants. While there was a 19% decline in alcohol-related deaths over a 5-year period, alcohol use coupled with speeding continued to be big contributors in fatal wrecks, according to the study. In 2015, alcohol-related deaths increased to 345 from 333 alcohol-related deaths in 2014. They also accounted for nearly 30 percent of all traffic fatalities for that same year.
"Drinking and driving remains a big problem in our state. We've represented many victims and families whose lives were forever changed by someone who made the poor choice to get behind the wheel intoxicated," stated Solnick. "We hope that lawmakers and local leaders find our study regarding drinking and driving informative so that the state will continue making widespread use of sobriety checkpoints and saturation patrols."
KHS organizers also stress the importance of wearing protective head gear while operating or riding a motorcycle. Plus, it's the law. Surprisingly, motorcycles represented 1.6% of all vehicle accidents but 18% of all deaths.
In 2015, the economic loss due to traffic crashes was $1,103 to every man, woman and child in Pennsylvania. Out of the 1,200 people who lost their lives in traffic accidents in Pennsylvania in 2015, 205 would have also survived if they'd only been wearing their seatbelt.
"This industry has a responsibility to protect the public's health and safety on the highways and roads of our nation, as the needs of commerce should never supercede the security of our citizens," stated Solnick.
To view the interactive study in its entirety, click here.
ABOUT KEEP HIGHWAYS SAFE: Keep Highways Safe is on a mission to serve as a resource for information for drivers and victims of roadway accidents. We are a team of dedicated attorneys with experience litigating a variety of cases and claims in the state and federal courts of southeastern Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Contact us today at: (215) 481-9979.
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SOURCE Keep Highways Safe
