Despite Pandemic, PA Vehicle Accident Deaths Increased In 2020

PENNSYLVANIA — Although fewer people were on Pennsylvania roads in 2020 because of the coronavirus outbreak, the number of vehicular deaths last year increased in the state. According to the National Safety Council, the number of people who died in vehicle crashes rose from 1,107 to 1,116 - an increase of five percent.

Nationally, 42,060 people are estimated to have died in crashes in 2020. That marks an 8 percent increase over 2019.

The preliminary estimated death rate increased 24 percent over the previous 12-month period, despite miles driven . The increase in the death rate is the highest estimated year-over-year jump that council has calculated since 1924.

An estimated 8 million additional drivers or passengers were seriously injured in crashes in 2020, and the estimated cost to society was $474 billion.

"It is tragic that in the U.S., we took cars off the roads and didn't reap any safety benefits," safety council president Lorraine Martin said in a news release. "These data expose our lack of an effective roadway safety culture. It is past time to address roadway safety holistically and effectively, and NSC stands ready to assist all stakeholders, including the federal government."

Estimates indicate that nine states saw a drop in deaths: Alaska (three percent), Delaware (11 percent), Hawaii (20 percent), Idaho (seven percent), Maine (one percent), Nebraska (nine percent), New Mexico (four percent), North Dakota (one percent) and Wyoming (13 percent).

Eight states experienced more than a 15 percent increase in the estimated number of deaths last year: Arkansas (26 percent) Connecticut (22 percent), District of Columbia (33 percent), Georgia (18 percent), Mississippi (19 percent), Rhode Island (26 percent), South Dakota (33 percent) and Vermont (32 percent).