PENNSYLVANIA — As all drivers know, rush hour can be a stressful and dangerous time to be on the road. With more cars on the road and commuters rushing to get to work or back home, accidents are more likely to happen. But which states have the deadliest rush hour times? Gold Law decided to find out by examining 2021 fatal crash data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System. In this article, we will delve into the study’s findings and see where Pennsylvania ranks among the deadliest rush hour states.
According to the study, Pennsylvania comes in at number 29 on the list of deadliest rush hour states. 26% of traffic deaths in the state occurred during rush hour, with a total of 1,230 traffic deaths recorded in 2021. During rush hour, there were 323 traffic deaths, with 117 occurring during the morning rush hour and 206 during the evening rush hour. While Pennsylvania is not in the top five deadliest states, there is still work to be done to improve safety during rush hour times.
Moving on to the top five deadliest rush hour states, we have South Dakota at number five. 30% of traffic deaths in the state occurred during rush hour, with a total of 148 traffic deaths recorded in 2021. During rush hour, there were 45 traffic deaths, with 16 occurring during the morning rush hour and 29 during the evening rush hour. Vermont comes in at number four, with 31% of traffic deaths occurring during rush hour. The state recorded a total of 74 traffic deaths in 2021, with 23 occurring during rush hour times. Delaware takes the third spot, with 32% of traffic deaths occurring during rush hour. The state recorded a total of 136 traffic deaths, with 43 occurring during rush hour times.
Rhode Island takes the second spot with 33% of traffic deaths occurring during rush hour. The state recorded a total of 63 traffic deaths, with 21 occurring during rush hour times. Finally, we have Alaska, the deadliest rush hour state in the United States. A staggering 37% of traffic deaths in the state occurred during rush hour, with a total of 67 traffic deaths recorded in 2021. During rush hour, there were 25 traffic deaths, with eight occurring during the morning rush hour and 17 during the evening rush hour.
While Pennsylvania is not in the top five deadliest rush hour states, it is important to remember that any traffic death is one too many. We can all take steps to improve safety during rush hour times by paying attention to the road, avoiding distractions, and leaving earlier to give ourselves plenty of time to get to our destinations.
Take Charge of Your Commute: Enhance Safety During Rush Hour
- Plan Ahead: Always allow extra time for your commute during rush hour. Anticipate delays and plan your route accordingly, taking into consideration traffic reports and weather conditions.
- Stay Alert: Keep your eyes on the road at all times. Avoid distractions such as mobile devices, adjusting the radio, or eating while driving.
- Maintain Safe Distances: Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one ahead. This allows ample time to react if the car in front of you suddenly brakes.
- Use Indicators: Always use your vehicle’s turn signals when changing lanes or turning. This helps other drivers anticipate your movements and react accordingly.
- Follow Traffic Rules: Adhere strictly to speed limits and traffic signals. Breaking traffic rules not only puts you at risk but also endangers other road users.
- Practice Defensive Driving: Stay aware of what other drivers around you are doing and expect the unexpected.
- Be Patient: Rush hour is not the time to be aggressive or impatient on the road. Exercise patience and courtesy to ensure a safer commute for everyone.
By adopting these steps, you’ll not only make your daily commute safer but also contribute to a more secure and efficient rush hour for all. Drive smart, stay safe!
Stay updated on current road conditions by visiting the MyChesCo Traffic Center, a reliable resource that provides comprehensive information on traffic flow, incidents, and road hazards in Chester County, Pennsylvania.
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