Road accidents are one of the leading causes of injury and death in Pennsylvania. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, there were 119,000 reportable crashes in 2020 alone. With such statistics, it’s important to stay informed and understand the demographics of drivers involved in accidents. In this blog post, we’ll break down the average age of responsible drivers in Pennsylvania accidents to provide clarity and insight to our potential clients.The average age of responsible drivers in Pennsylvania accidents depends on various factors such as location, road type, and time of day. However, a study conducted by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation found that drivers between the ages of 25-34 were the most common at-fault drivers in accidents. Additionally, the study found that about 42% of at-fault drivers were between the ages of 21 to 34 years old.
Younger drivers are often considered high-risk on the roads due to their lack of experience. While they may have higher car control skills, they tend to have poor judgment, especially in hazardous situations. To mitigate this risk and ensure the safety of all road users, Pennsylvania has implemented a graduated driver’s license program, designed to progressively increase driving privileges and responsibilities for young drivers over time.
On the other hand, drivers above the age of 65 have often been thought of as high-risk drivers. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, older drivers are likely to receive traffic citations for failure to yield, unsafe lane changes, and improper turning. However, a recent study by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that older drivers aged 70 and above were involved in fewer accidents per capita than drivers under age 30.
It is worth noting that the incidences of at-fault drivers increase during specific times of the day. Rush hour traffic often increases the likelihood of accidents, and at-fault drivers during these periods often fall in the 25-34 age range. Moreover, weekends are also a high-risk period, with drivers under 21 years old more likely to be at fault.
While the average age of responsible drivers in Pennsylvania accidents can vary significantly, it’s no doubt that young drivers remain at the highest risk for causing accidents. However, older drivers also have a higher probability of causing accidents, especially during rush hour and in congested roads. Safety on the roads is a collective responsibility, and we urge all drivers to drive responsibly, follow traffic rules and regulations, and avoid driving under any influence. Furthermore, if you or a loved one is injured in a car accident in Pennsylvania, we recommend seeking legal assistance from an experienced attorney to ensure that your rights are protected.