In a report from the Pittsburg Post-Gazette, findings revealed that the first six months of last year saw more traffic fatalities in Pennsylvania than the same time in 2023. It was an increase of 2.6%, which represents dozens more deaths.
An increase of 2.6% may not sound like a lot, but the national average saw traffic fatalities decrease by 3.2% in the same period. The Commonwealth is one of only 17 states that had more traffic fatalities than last year. The statistics behind the report compelled state and national officials to fund traffic safety initiatives in a few Pennsylvania communities, including some in Central Pennsylvania.
Our first question is, “Why are traffic fatalities increasing?”
There don’t seem to be obvious answers. It’s not traffic density—New York saw its own traffic fatalities decrease by 5.3% in the same period. Neither is it the age of vehicles like the AAA Traffic Safety Foundation suggested; the average vehicle age in Pennsylvania is 11.5 years, just under the national average of 12.2 years.
The high fatality rate could be related to workers’ increased risk at highway jobsites. If the volume of highway maintenance or roadside construction in Pennsylvania is increasing, then “traffic safety” is closely related to “workplace safety.”
Representing Injured Plaintiffs Since 1922
With Pennsylvania roads and jobsites getting more dangerous, injured people need an advocate in their corner more than ever. Handler, Henning & Rosenberg LLC has spent the last century fighting for workers and motorists after they’ve been injured or killed in serious accidents. We’ve recovered tens of millions for our clients, helping them get back on their feet or changing their life for the better.
If you’ve been hurt in a serious car accident, speak with us to learn your legal options. We offer free consultations to help you figure out the best way to move forward and recover what you need.
Call (888) 498-3023 or contact us online to get started.