PennDot released the latest figures regarding traffic fatalities in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania for 2021. The data showed an increase of over 100 deaths for a total of 1,230 in 2021.
Deaths on Commonwealth roads were up 9% according to the data. This is similar to a report issued by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, which had projected an increase in deaths of 12% over the first nine months of 2021.
Crashes involving deaths from being impaired decreased by 21 in 2021. Still, fatalities involving impaired driving made up more than 35% of traffic fatalities in 2021.
Although most new vehicles are equipped with lane departure and other crash avoidance systems, crashes involving lane departures increased dramatically to almost 600 deaths in 2021. This made up nearly half the highway fatalities in the Commonwealth.
Pedestrian fatalities also increased in 2021. There were 36 more pedestrian fatalities in 2021 than in 2020. Pedestrian fatalities made up 15% of the deaths statewide.
Crashes involving aggressive driving dramatically increased from 91 in 2020 to 126 fatalities in 2021.
Unfortunately, despite safer vehicles, increased strategies for roadway safety on highways, and greater awareness by drivers, traffic fatalities continue to increase.
Sources: PennDot, ABC27.com