Aggressive Driving Causes Most PA Car Crashes

aggressive-driving-behaviors Contrary to popular belief, adverse weather conditions are not responsible for the majority of auto accidents in Pennsylvania.

While snow, ice, sleet or heavy rains can all contribute to traffic accidents, there are other factors that are not weather-related that greatly increase the odds of a motorist being involved in a crash.

Both aggressive driving and driving while distracted cause more accidents each year in Pennsylvania than any adverse weather patterns.

Out of these three potential accident factors, aggressive driving is responsible for the most vehicle crashes.

Aggressive Driving Causes Most Accidents

In Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lancaster, Lebanon, Perry and York counties, aggressive driving was responsible for over 64,000 auto accidents from 2009 to 2014.

Aggressive driving includes behaviors such as:

Tailgating
Speeding
Disobeying traffic signs and signals
Illegal passing
Cutting off other drivers
Failure to yield

While not responsible for as many crashes as aggressive driving, distracted driving is still another leading cause of automobile accidents in the area.

Activities that cause driver distraction, such as using a cell phone or adjusting an audio system, were responsible for causing approximately 14,000 accidents from 2009 to 2014.

It is important to note that drug and alcohol impairment is another factor that can lead to vehicle accidents. In Pennsylvania, 1,508 drunk driving accidents occurred in 2014 alone.

Weather Actually Causes Fewer Crashes

Between 2009 and 2014, there were 109,000 automobile accidents in the seven Pennsylvania counties mentioned above. Out of these accidents, fewer than six percent occurred during periods of snow or sleet.

Across the nation, approximately 190,000 accidents occur each year on snow-covered roadways. This statistic suggests that snow-related crashes only account for about 3.4 percent of all accidents in the U.S. each year. Snow-related crashes lead to around 51,000 injuries and 500 deaths annually.

The vast majority of auto accidents take place without the presence of snow, sleet, rain, or fog. Experts state this is likely because drivers are more cautious when driving in inclement weather. More accidents occur on nice days, as drivers get comfortable and are not as aware of their surroundings.

Were you injured in an accident caused by another motorist’s aggressive driving or distracted driving behavior? If so, the car accident lawyers at Schmidt Kramer will work diligently to pursue justice on your behalf, and to maximize the amount of compensation you deserve for the damages you have sustained.

Call (717) 888-8888 or fill out our FREE Case Review Form today.

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Aggressive Driving, Not Bad Weather, Causes Most Auto Accidents

Aggressive Driving Causes Most Accidents

Weather Actually Causes Fewer Crashes