The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation recently released motor vehicle accident statistics for 2012. While the number of traffic-related fatalities in the state increased slightly over 2011, fatal car accidents still remain relatively low. That's good news and, according to state officials, can be largely attributed to new safety requirements and laws aimed to protect both adult and teen drivers.
During 2012, Pennsylvania adopted a ban on texting while driving. State lawmakers also passed legislation related to new safe driving requirements for teen drivers. Today, teen drivers are required to obtain 15 more supervised behind-the-wheel hours for a total of 65. Additionally, barring family members, a teen driver is not allowed to transport more than one passenger at a time who is under the age of 18.
Statistics from 2012 appear to prove the success of these new driving requirements. According to 2012 statistics, a total of 44 teenagers ages 16 and 17 died on Pennsylvania roads. This number is down more than 60 percent from just 15 years ago.
While many promising safety laws and initiatives went into effect during 2012, state officials believe that lawmakers must continue to pass stricter laws with regard to the usage of both cellphones and helmets. Some are calling upon lawmakers to institute a state-wide ban on the use of cellphones while driving. This, they contend, is the only way to truly prevent individuals from using cellphones while driving and prevent cellphone-related car accidents.
Additionally, many believe the state should reinstitute mandatory helmet laws for motorcyclists. Fatal accidents involving motorcycles increased during 2012. A helmet is the most effective safety measure a motorcyclist can take to prevent suffering a brain injury if involved in a motorcycle accident.
It's likely that these and other safety issues will continue to be at the forefront as state officials and legislators continue to work towards reducing the number of fatal car accidents in Pennsylvania during 2013.
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, "2012 Pennsylvania highway deaths increase," Amy McConnell Schaarsmith, April 2, 2013