PennDOT Surveys Public on Increase in Fatal Pennsylvania Crashes

Allegheny County, Pittsburgh car accidents follow state trend

As severe injuries and fatal car accidents increase statewide, Pennsylvania transportation officials asked people what they think about roadway safety. Through an online survey, Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) officials hope to identify areas where they can improve and gain a better understanding of safety challenges.

The survey asked for people’s thoughts on seat belt use, impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, and various other traffic safety measures affecting highways, cyclists, pedestrians, and motorcycle riders.

People were polled in response to the rising number of traffic accident fatalities, and serious injury crashes statewide. In 2021, the year with the most recent data available, 1,230 people were killed in Pennsylvania motor vehicle accidents. However, safer driving habits may have prevented many of the fatalities, said PennDOT Acting Secretary Mike Carroll.

“Many of these deaths could have been prevented simply by buckling up, slowing down, paying attention, and driving sober,” Carroll said in a statement. He said survey results will help PennDOT adjust its approach to serve the community better.

Allegheny County fatal crash statistics

Car accidents are increasing all over Pennsylvania, including in our community. Here are some 2021 fatal accident statistics for Allegheny County, provided by PennDOT.

In 2021, 68 people died in fatal Allegheny County traffic accidents. That’s 8 more deaths than in 2020. The fatalities include:

• 19 people who were not wearing seatbelts.
• 16 pedestrians.
• 9 motorcycle riders.
• 1 bicyclist.

Fatal car accidents happen for many reasons. PennDOT tracks some of the most common fatal accident factors. From most to least common, here are some factors that contributed to deadly crashes in Allegheny County:

• Impaired driver.
• Drunk driver.
• Speeding.
• Drugged driver.
• Distracted driver.

Also …

• Large trucks were involved in 6 fatal accidents in 2021 – twice as many as in 2020.
• Road rage and aggressive driving accidents caused 6 deaths.
• A little under one-third of traffic fatalities occurred at intersections.
• Red-light runners killed 4 people.
• A vehicle malfunction or “failure” was a factor in 7 roadway deaths.

Our Pittsburgh car accident attorneys have what it takes to win

Car accident laws in Pittsburgh, PA can be tricky. If you’ve been injured in a crash, you may have to sue more than just the driver who caused it. Vehicle owners and even employers of the driver can also be held accountable in some cases. This means more potential sources of compensation for you. To help navigate this legal maze, you’ll want a team of experienced attorneys to help you find your way forward. At Romanow Law Group, our Pittsburgh car accident lawyers know the ins and outs of the civil justice system and can fight for the financial compensation you’re entitled to under Pennsylvania law.

If you got hurt in an accident caused by a negligent driver, don’t wait to get legal help. Contact us online or dial 1-844-GET-MORE to schedule a free consultation with our law firm. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t owe us anything unless we win your case and recover compensation for you. It’s that straightforward: no recovery, no fee. Don’t let the bills pile up – let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.