2004 Pennsylvania Crash Facts and Statistics

NHTSA · 2004 · ROSA P / Pennsylvania. Dept. of Transportation

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Summary

The 2004 Pennsylvania Crash Facts and Statistics report, published by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), provides a comprehensive statistical review of reportable motor vehicle crashes in the Commonwealth for the calendar year 2004. The data is compiled from traffic crash reports submitted by state, county, municipal, and other law enforcement agencies. The report notes that 2002 data is excluded due to a backlog caused by the implementation of a new crash reporting system in 2001 and subsequent changes in 2003. The document aims to provide detailed insights into crash frequencies, severity, contributing factors, and demographic trends to inform highway safety efforts. The methodology relies on standardized definitions of crash types, injury severity, and vehicle classifications. A "reportable crash" is defined as one resulting in death, injury, or damage requiring towing. The report analyzes 137,410 such crashes, categorizing them by crash type (e.g., angle, rear-end, hit fixed object), conditions (weather, road surface, work zones), location (road type, county), and time (month, day, hour). It also examines driver demographics, alcohol involvement, restraint use, and specific vehicle types, including heavy trucks, motorcycles, and school buses. Economic losses are estimated based on average costs per injury severity level and property damage. In 2004, Pennsylvania recorded 1,490 fatalities and 105,222 injuries, representing the lowest fatality count since 1998 and the lowest five-year fatality rate of 1.40 deaths per 100 million vehicle-miles of travel. Total reportable crashes decreased by 2.0% compared to 2003. Passenger cars were involved in the majority of crashes (66.9%), followed by light trucks, SUVs, and vans (26.1%). Male drivers aged 16–20 were involved in more crashes than any other demographic group. Alcohol-related crashes accounted for 541 deaths, while speed-related crashes accounted for 439 deaths. Hit fixed object crashes were the most frequent crash type (40.2%), while head-on collisions, though less frequent, resulted in the third-highest number of deaths. The estimated total economic loss due to these crashes was approximately $11.98 billion, equating to $967 per Pennsylvania resident. The report highlights significant trends in safety and demographics. Fatality rates have declined dramatically over the past 60 years, with Pennsylvania’s rate consistently lower than the U.S. average since 1937. The data underscores the risks associated with young male drivers and alcohol impairment. Additionally, the report details specific statistics for vulnerable road users, noting 187 pedestrian deaths and 151 motorcyclist deaths. Heavy truck crashes decreased by 14% from 2003, resulting in 183 fatalities. The findings provide a baseline for evaluating highway safety programs, emphasizing the impact of vehicle miles traveled, driver behavior, and infrastructure conditions on crash outcomes.

Key finding

In 2004, Pennsylvania recorded 137,410 reportable traffic crashes resulting in 1,490 deaths and 105,222 injuries, with a fatality rate of 1.40 per hundred million vehicle-miles of travel.

Methodology

dataset

Provenance

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Topics

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• incidence prevalence
• demographic disparities
• fatality injury trends
• comparative international
• vru crash typology

Information type

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• Empirical Findings: crash risk outcomes, observational prevalence