Deaths in crashes by Pennsylvania drivers climbed in 2010 over 2009

It seems the roads got a little worse in 2010 after a slow year of deaths in 2009.It is more important than ever to pay attention and make sure you are extra aware of everyone and everything when you are driving.



Deaths in crashes on Pennsylvania highways climbed to 1,324 in 2010, an increase
of 68 from the year before, according to Acting PennDOT Secretary Barry J. Schoch, P.E.
"Fatality statistics are not simply numbers; they represent the many
families that suffered the loss of loved ones on Pennsylvania roads last year.
Although there is nothing we can do or say to ease the pain of losing a loved one
due to a crash, we will continue to look for the best ways to keep highway
travelers safe," Schoch said.

While still too high, modern highway deaths are still well below those
reported 20 and 40 years ago. In 1990, there were 1,646 traffic deaths in
Pennsylvania. In 1970, there were 2,255 fatalities.

Unbuckled fatalities increased to 524 last year, up from 451 in 2009. The
seat-belt use rate in Pennsylvania was 86 percent last year.

Fatalities in crashes that involved a 16- or 17-year-old driver increased
from 40 in 2009 to 57 last year. Highway fatalities involving 65-year-old and
older drivers dropped from 276 to 266 in the same time period.

Alcohol-related deaths increased from 442 in 2009 to 444 last year.
Fatalities in work zones dropped to 21 in 2010 from 23 a year earlier.

Speeding-related and aggressive-driving related deaths also increased last
year. Speeding-related deaths jumped from 231 in 2009 to 284 last year
while aggressive-driving-related deaths increased from 130 to 168.

Motorcyclist and bicyclist deaths also increased last year. Motorcyclist
deaths rose to 223 in 2010 from 204 a year earlier, and bicyclist fatalities
increased from 16 to 21 in that same time period.

"Operating a vehicle is a responsibility that requires our full attention
and nobody should ever take that responsible lightly," Schoch said.
"Multi-tasking is fine at home or at the workplace, but never while driving -- your life
and the lives of others depend on your full attention."