Every time you step into a car, ride a motorcycle, or cross the street, you take a risk. But do you know just how dangerous Pennsylvania roads are?
Over 110,000 crashes happened in Pennsylvania in 2023 alone. More than 66,000 people were injured, and tragically, over 1,200 lost their lives. These aren’t just numbers—they represent families forever changed, lives lost too soon, and injuries that leave people struggling to recover.
Our lawyers at Kalikhman & Rayz believe that knowledge is power. We’ve compiled this comprehensive case study, breaking down Pennsylvania’s most alarming crash statistics, accident trends, and road dangers.
What you’ll find in this case study:
✔️ Five years of crash trends – Are accidents increasing or decreasing?
✔️ The top causes of fatal crashes – What mistakes are killing drivers?
✔️ The most dangerous roads in Pennsylvania – Are you driving on one of them?
✔️ Weather & road condition risks – How rain, snow, and fog contribute to deadly accidents
✔️ Motorcycle, bicycle, and pedestrian fatalities – What makes these crashes deadly?
✔️ Alcohol-related crashes – How often is drunk driving responsible for deaths?
✔️ Seat belt statistics – Does buckling up save lives?
If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash, we can help. Contact us today.
Every day, hundreds of crashes occur on Pennsylvania roads. In 2023, the state experienced:
These numbers highlight the devastating reality of road accidents. Crashes are caused by a mix of driver behavior, road conditions, and vehicle issues, but many of these incidents are preventable. By understanding these statistics, we can push for safer driving practices, better road maintenance, and more vigorous enforcement of traffic laws.
When looking at crash data over the last five years, we see an alarming trend:
2019: 125,267 crashes, 1,059 fatalities
2023: 110,382 crashes, 1,209 fatalities
While the total number of crashes has decreased, fatalities have increased by 2.5% compared to 2022. This suggests that crashes today are becoming more severe and deadly.
Potential reasons for this trend include:
✔️ More aggressive driving behaviors, such as speeding and reckless lane changes
✔️ Increased distractions (smartphones, entertainment systems, and other in-car distractions)
✔️ More high-impact collisions, including those involving large trucks and motorcycles
Not all crashes are the same; some vehicle types have a much higher fatality risk than others. In 2023, here’s how different types of vehicles were involved in accidents:
🚗 Passenger Cars: 62,153 crashes, 491 fatalities – The most common type of crash.
🚚 Heavy Trucks: 6,685 crashes, 138 fatalities – A high risk due to size and weight.
🏍️ Motorcycles: 3,422 crashes, 233 fatalities – One of the deadliest vehicle types.
🚍 School Buses & Commercial Buses: While less common, crashes involving these vehicles often result in multiple injuries due to the number of passengers.
🚴 Bicycles & Pedestrians: Although less frequent, crashes involving cyclists and pedestrians tend to be more severe because they lack vehicle protection.
Key Takeaway: The more minor and less protected vehicles (such as motorcycles and bicycles), the greater the risk of fatal injuries. Understanding these numbers helps us take precautions on the road.
What are the most dangerous driving behaviors?
1️⃣ Speeding: 366 fatal crashes – The #1 cause of deadly accidents
2️⃣ Drunk Driving: 127 fatal crashes – Driving under the influence remains a significant issue
3️⃣ Running Red Lights/Stop Signs: 81 fatal crashes – Impatient driving leads to deadly T-bone crashes
4️⃣ Improper Turns & Lane Changes: 57 fatal crashes – Often due to reckless or distracted driving
5️⃣ Distracted Driving: 55 fatal crashes – Texting, eating, or adjusting the radio can have deadly consequences
Safe driving saves lives. Many of these causes are entirely preventable with better awareness and responsibility behind the wheel.
Some roads in Pennsylvania are notorious for their high crash rates, dangerous conditions, and heavy traffic congestion. These include:
⚠️ Roosevelt Boulevard (US-1, Philadelphia)
⚠️ Interstate 78
⚠️ Interstate 83 (I-83, Harrisburg-York)
⚠️ Interstate 80 (I-80, Northern PA)
⚠️ Interstate 81 (I-81, Eastern PA)
⚠️ Interstate 95 (I-95, Philadelphia)
⚠️ Route 30 (Lincoln Highway, Pittsburgh)
⚠️ I-376 (Parkway East, Pittsburgh)
If you frequently drive on these roads, it’s essential to stay alert, drive defensively, and follow posted speed limits to reduce your risk of an accident.
Rain-related crashes: 14,486 (119 fatalities) – Slippery roads and poor visibility contribute to accidents.
Snow/Ice crashes: 4,049 (36 fatalities) – Vehicles lose traction, leading to loss of control.
Fog-related crashes: 743 (16 fatalities) – Limited visibility makes it difficult to react quickly.
Tips for safe driving in bad weather:
✅ Slow down – Reduce your speed in rain, fog, or snow.
✅ Keep extra distance – Allow more space between you and the car ahead.
✅ Use headlights properly – Use low beams in fog and turn on headlights in rain/snow.
Motorcycle crashes have been rising, with 233 fatalities in 2023—the highest in five years.
Why are motorcycle accidents so deadly?
Motorcycle riders can protect themselves by:
✅ Wearing helmets and protective gear
✅ Using reflective clothing and proper lighting
✅ Avoiding dangerous road conditions and aggressive drivers
✅ Yes! Helmets significantly reduce the risk of death and severe head injuries.
Helmeted Riders: 105 deaths
Non-Helmeted Riders: 126 deaths
Seat belts save lives! Yet, in 2023:
291 people who died in crashes were wearing seat belts.
319 fatalities involved unbelted drivers or passengers.
Wearing a seatbelt can mean the difference between life and death in an accident.
Cycling can be a great way to commute and stay active, but Pennsylvania roads pose serious risks for bicyclists. Over the past five years, hundreds of crashes and dozens of fatalities have highlighted the dangers cyclists face.
2019 – 1,020 crashes, 16 fatalities
2020 – 819 crashes, 22 fatalities
2021 – 766 crashes, 24 fatalities
2022 – 810 crashes, 15 fatalities
2023 – 1,100 crashes, 27 fatalities
The Growing Risk for Cyclists
While crash numbers fluctuate, 2023 saw a sharp increase in accidents and fatalities. More bicyclists on the road, combined with distracted drivers, speeding, and a lack of bike-friendly infrastructure, continue to make riding dangerous in many areas.
Safety Tips for Cyclists & Drivers
✅Cyclists: Always wear a helmet, use lights at night, and stay aware of traffic.
✅Drivers: Give bicyclists at least four feet of space when passing, avoid distractions, and check blind spots before turning.
Walking should be safe, but Pennsylvania roads remain dangerous for pedestrians. Over the past five years, hundreds of lives have been lost, and thousands have been injured in pedestrian-related crashes.
2019 – 4,101 crashes, 154 fatalities
2020 – 2,831 crashes, 146 fatalities
2021 – 3,100 crashes, 182 fatalities
2022 – 3,211 crashes, 184 fatalities
2023 – 3,199 crashes, 186 fatalities
The Growing Danger for Pedestrians
Fatalities continue to rise despite efforts to improve crosswalk safety and pedestrian awareness. In 2023 alone, 186 pedestrians lost their lives in crashes, making it one of the deadliest years in recent history.
What’s Causing the Increase?
How to Stay Safe:
✅Pedestrians: Use crosswalks, stay alert, and wear visible clothing at night.
✅Drivers: Slow down in pedestrian-heavy areas, avoid distractions, and always yield at crosswalks.
Driving under the influence isn’t just dangerous—it’s illegal. DUI offenders face license suspension, heavy fines, and possible jail time. More importantly, they put innocent lives at risk.
308 fatalities in 2023 were caused by alcohol-impaired driving.
5,111 injuries resulted from alcohol-related crashes.
In 2019, several Pennsylvania counties saw alarming numbers of vehicle accidents and fatalities, highlighting the dangers of the state’s roadways. Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 counties with the highest crash rates:
These numbers paint a stark picture of the risks on Pennsylvania roads. High traffic volumes, distracted driving, speeding, and impaired driving all contribute to the thousands of crashes that occur each year.
The numbers don’t lie—Pennsylvania’s roads are hazardous, and crashes happen daily. While some accidents are unavoidable, many are preventable with safer driving habits, proper road maintenance, and more vigorous enforcement of traffic laws.
The tragic truth? Many victims never get the justice they deserve. Insurance companies often refuse to pay fair settlements, and injured victims are left with skyrocketing medical bills, lost wages, and life-changing disabilities.
Our lawyers at Kalikhman & Rayz will fight for the rights of accident victims across Pennsylvania. Whether you were injured in a car crash, motorcycle accident, truck collision, or pedestrian accident, we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
✅ We handle all accident cases – from minor injuries to wrongful death claims.
✅ We deal with the insurance companies – so you don’t have to.
✅ We’ve recovered millions for our clients and can help you, too.
Don’t wait. The sooner you take action, the stronger your case will be.
All crash data is from the Pennsylvania Crash Facts & Statistics Report (2023), published by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation.
Every attorney on our team has vast experience helping victims of auto accidents, including car accidents and tractor trailer accidents.
Our attorneys will help ensure you receive justice for your auto accident.
If you have experienced a slip and fall somewhere that was not properly marked and received a life altering injury, call our attorneys today.
Injuries like slip and falls can have a lasting impact. Don’t wait.
If you’ve been injured by the negligence of others, you deserve to be compensated and have your rights protected by a personal injury lawyer. Think about how your injury affects your life and the party that is liable for your suffering.
Speak WITH AN ACTUAL ATTORNEY
Get Your Life Back On Track And Talk With One Of Our Experienced Attorneys Today For A Free, No Obligation Legal Consultation.
Yelena Kormov
I had a fantastic experience with this law firm. Their honesty and transparency throughout my personal injury case were truly commendable. They provided clear, straightforward advice and fought diligently on my behalf, and the outcome was beyond my expectations. I highly recommend them for their integrity and exceptional legal skills.
Nina Ricci
Great experience with Kalikhman & Rayz. Needed an attorney for a traffic citation, and the situation was handled professionally and promptly with a breeze. He successfully negotiated the citation down to something better on my behalf, and I am so grateful. Communication has been everything. Would 1000% recommend to anybody in need of a trustworthy attorney.
Bobby Kotick
Fast turnaround, really knowledgeable and helpful team, special thanks to Ekaterina! Easy communication.
Tea Puljevic
They really helped me out! 10 out of 10 experience!
Olga Barmenkova
I would like to say many thanks to KALIKHMAN and RAYZ lawyers and their team. Very professional guys. They work clearly and quickly. I am very pleased that, on the advice of friends, I turned to them. Thanks a lot.
Nell Salim
Multiple times used their services. It’s always good to trust people who handle your sensitive information. Thank you!
Gerta Lovie
The best of the best ! Highly Recommend if you need good quality dedicated lawyers on your side !
Bjorn W
These guys (and girls) really took care of me. I was involved in a bad accident where the other person was responsible. These people really fought for me and didn’t give up even tho it took awhile. Because of them I was able to get the help I needed at a time when I really needed it. Thank you.
Tyhera Johnson
I’ll rate this company 5 stars! They completely settled the case with no hassle or inconvenience. I was completely able to focus on my healing and recovery without any worries. I highly recommend Kalikhman & Rayz!
Jake Erlichman
Amazing experience at Kalikhman & Rayz, super professional and reliable staff. Highly recommend.
© 2025 – Kalikhman & Rayz, LLC – All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy | Disclaimers