According to AAA, highway fatalities are at the lowest level ever recorded in Pennsylvania. In 2014, the traffic deaths recorded totaled at 1,195, setting a record since the state began recording fatalities in 1928. This information came from statistics released by PennDOT.
Obviously, this is great news for Pennsylvania drivers. It means we’ve managed to make our roads safer for all drivers. Here is a breakdown of those traffic deaths by county:
- Bucks County: 44 fatalities
- Chester County: 34 fatalities
- Delaware County: 26 fatalities
- Montgomery County: 38 fatalities
- Philadelphia County: 97 fatalities
Crashes Increase Among Two Driving Groups
Despite this record low, fatalities in teen and senior drivers actually increased. In Philadelphia County alone, teen and senior traffic deaths increased from 89 in 2013 to 97 in 2014. PennDOT crash data shows that accidents involving teen drivers alone increased 37 percent within that one year period. Jana L. Tidwell, Manager of Public and Government Affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic, says that teens have the highest crash rate out of any group in the United States — and distracted driving is a factor in 6 out of 10 of those crashes.
Additionally, fatalities in the senior group increased nearly 10 percent. As the number of senior drivers (age 75 and up) on the road continues to grow, Tidwell recommends senior drivers be proactive and self-limiting with their driving. Maintaining and refreshing skills, as well as taking fewer, shorter trips can keep most seniors driving safely for longer. AAA also a PennDOT approved RoadWise driver course to aid in these goals.
For more information, visit the AAA Mid-Atlantic News Releases.