A 2018 report was just released by the Advocates For Highway & Auto Safety detailing the status of state highway safety laws. The report compares the laws in each state that exist to ensure the roads are as safe as possible. Unfortunately, many states, including Pennsylvania don’t have many laws in place that are proven to save lives. Across the country, there was a 5.6 percent increase in fatalities between 2016 and 2015. A total of 37,461 people were killed across the country in traffic crashes. In fact, one of the biggest increases in fatal crashes involved drivers age 65 and older.
The report reveals that over the last 10 years, there have been 12,926 fatalities in motor vehicle crashes. 1,188 of these fatalities took place in 2016 alone. In addition, the report shows that Pennsylvania loses $5.851 billion annually because of motor vehicle crashes. There are a number of laws that could reduce this cost and save lives but Pennsylvania has not instituted them. Some of these laws include:
- requiring motorcycle riders to wear helmets
- children to be required to sit in a booster seat
- instituting an unrestricted license at age 18
- further enforcement of a seat belt law for both front and rear passengers
The Advocates for Highway & Auto Safety gave Pennsylvania, along with 30 other states a “yellow” rating, which indicates that while there are certainly some laws in place, there is improvement needed due to significant gaps in safety.
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle accident in Pennsylvania, contact our firm today.
If you need the services of an experienced Montgomery County attorney who focuses on personal injury or medical negligence, please contact Friedman Schuman today to schedule a consultation today.
