Philadelphia is known as the foundation of the United States. It’s where it all started, and now it’s one of the most popular destination cities in the country. From the Liberty Bell to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, there’s a lot to love about the city, drawing in tourists and residents alike. Being one of the highest-populated cities in the U.S. has its drawbacks, though, one of which is the traffic and car accidents that come along with it.
Philadelphia Car Accident Statistics
As Pennsylvania’s most-populated county, Philadelphia is home to 1.5 million residents. What’s interesting is that, despite having the highest population, Philadelphia doesn’t account for the most reported accidents across the state (that’s Allegheny County). Despite its lower percentage of reported accidents, Philadelphia car crashes have the highest number of fatalities. Between 2018 and 2022, the number of reported fatalities in Philadelphia County accidents increased from 42 to 64. This alarming trend can be traced back to the number of collisions involving pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists outside of vehicles.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation compiles a report of crash data each year. These are some other interesting statistics about driving trends and car accidents in Philadelphia and other areas of the state.
- Around 12% of car accidents in Philadelphia resulted in at least one fatality
- Almost ⅓ of car accident injuries impacted those in the 15-59 age range
- Accidents involving alcohol caused 26 fatalities in 2022
Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Philadelphia
It might surprise you that the most common causes of car accidents in the Philadelphia area aren’t related to road conditions, age of the driver, time of day, or weather. Driver behavior and negligence cause the majority of crashes across the city and its suburbs, impacting thousands of residents and visitors each year. Some of the most frequent causes of accidents include:
- Speeding – Driving at excessive speeds causes the most collisions by far with almost 27,000 crashes over 400 fatalities reported across the state.
- Improper Turning – Drivers who improperly turn – for example, an illegal u-turn or failing to signal – are a large source of accidents in Philadelphia.
- Proceeding Without Clearance – Many accidents are caused by drivers who continue to drive without a safe view of oncoming traffic.
- Intoxicated Driving – Collisions involving a drunk or intoxicated driver aren’t just incredibly common, they’re also among the most deadly in Philadelphia.
- Distracted Driving – Cell phone use, adjusting the entertainment system, and eating or drinking are among the top causes of distracted driving accidents.
- Careless/Reckless Driving – Illegal passing, tailgating, and other reckless or careless acts cause thousands of accidents each day.
What to Do if You’re Involved in a Car Accident in Philadelphia
According to statistics, those who live or work in Philadelphia are highly likely to be involved in a car accident at some point in their lifetime. Car accident injuries can be serious, and you should understand all your legal rights. If you or a loved one was injured in a Philadelphia car accident, contact The Jason Javie Law Office to discuss your case. We specialize in laws surrounding car accidents in the state of Pennsylvania and can help advocate for you while ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Schedule your free consultation today to learn more about your options from our experienced law team.