Pennsylvania is among the most dangerous states when it comes to motorist safety. The state was ranked ninth among the states with the highest number of crash fatalities in 2021. Traffic collisions have become a significant concern that the state is trying to address.
Speeding is the leading cause of traffic collisions in Pennsylvania. Additionally, distracted driving and alcohol-related crashes are also major causes of fatalities in the state. Bad weather conditions, like heavy snow or rain, reduce driver visibility, also contributing to the state's high crash rates.
Some roads in Pennsylvania are notorious for having many collision fatalities. They include:
In the event of a car accident in Pennsylvania, drivers should take the following steps:
Motorists should carefully move their cars to a safe location away from traffic. This reduces traffic flow interference and the risk of potential secondary accidents, especially on highly congested roads.
Drivers must remain at the crash site until they share all their information with the relevant parties.
Vehicle operators should turn on their hazard lights and set up traffic control devices to notify other motorists of the danger ahead.
Individuals should ensure no one was hurt during the crash. Drivers should immediately notify an emergency medical team if anyone is seriously injured.
The state requires drivers to report any accidents that result in bodily harm, death, or property damage within five days.
All parties involved in a traffic incident should provide their information. These include providing names, addresses, telephone numbers, license numbers, car registrations, and insurance information.
Motorists should take photos of the scene. The photos can determine the accident's cause and serve as evidence in legal proceedings or insurance claims.
Vehicle operators should seek an attorney's help in case of legal proceedings or filing insurance claims.
Drivers who want compensation for damages should call the insurance company and file a claim.
Drivers must maintain a comprehensive file of essential documentation related to the crash. This file should include police reports, witness statements, and detailed records of insurance coverage.
Every driver must understand the state's traffic laws to protect other motorists on the road. Some of these laws include:
Hands-Free LawThe state prohibits using handheld devices like phones, tablets, or PDAs for texting, reading emails, or browsing the internet while driving unless the vehicle is parked or stopped. Motorists should not use their phones at a stop sign or a traffic light.
However, the state allows motor vehicle operators to use hands-free devices like headsets, speakerphones, or Bluetooth while driving.
Drivers can also use GPS devices and other electronic systems integrated into the car as they drive.
Vehicle ModificationAny modifications to the muffler should not cause excessive noise exceeding 92 decibels.
The state prohibits any modifications to the suspension, which can elevate a car beyond 13 feet and 6 inches in height.
Vehicles are not permitted to have front lift blocks. Furthermore, rear lift blocks should not exceed five inches over the original factory height.
Move Over LawThe State laws require all drivers to switch lanes when approaching stationary emergency vehicles and police cars with warning lights flashing.
If the lane is not clear for passing, drivers should slow down to below the speed limit and proceed with caution when approaching a non-moving emergency vehicle.
Teenage Driving LawsThe minimum driving age in the state is 16 years old. Before getting a learner's permit, the individual must pass a vision screening, a physical exam, and a knowledge test.
The state requires drivers holding a learner's permit to always have a licensed supervising adult who is 21 years or older.
To get a junior license, drivers with a learner's permit must have at least 65 driving hours, including 10 hours of night-time driving and five hours in poor weather conditions.
Teen drivers with a learner's permit or a junior license cannot operate a vehicle from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. However, the rule does not apply if the driver is heading to work, school-related activities, or charitable services, and they must have the relevant documentation to prove it.
Drivers with a junior license can only have one passenger under the age of 18 who is not a family member in the vehicle while they are driving.
Seatbelt LawWhen driving in Pennsylvania, all vehicle occupants must wear safety belts.
All children aged eight to 18 must be securely restrained in the car, regardless of where they sit.
Drivers should ensure that children under the age of eight are strapped into a booster or child safety seat.
The state requires drivers to restrain children under two in a rear-facing safety seat.
Carrying Passengers in the Cargo BedThough there are no laws that restrict drivers carrying passengers in the cargo bed, the state clearly states that children should be restrained in a safety seat even when they are sitting in the cargo area.
Keep Right LawPennsylvania drivers on multi-lane highways must keep right unless overtaking or passing.
All vehicles on the left lane should move faster than those on the right.
MotorcyclistsAll individuals under 21 must wear helmets when operating a motorcycle.
The state requires all motorcyclists and their passengers to wear eye-protective devices unless operating a three-wheeled motorcycle or a motorized pedalcycle.
Riders with a learner's permit must wear a helmet regardless of age.
Vehicle Registration and InsuranceIn Pennsylvania, all drivers must have at least the minimum liability coverage while operating a vehicle.
Likewise, drivers must provide their insurance information if asked by police after a car crash or during traffic court.
Impaired DrivingPennsylvania prohibits operating any vehicle if a driver's Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) exceeds 08%.
Drivers under the age of 21 cannot drive if their BAC is higher than .02%.
The state prohibits commercial drivers from operating vehicles if their BAC level is higher than .04%.
The state prohibits individuals from driving if they are under the influence of a controlled substance.
Pennsylvania has some surprising traffic laws unique to the state. These laws include:
No spooking the horse
The state prohibits drivers from honking at horses, driving too close to a horse carriage, or flashing vehicle lights at a horse as it might spook them, causing an accident.
Additionally, horse riders and horse-driven carts always have the right of way while on the road.
Tying your horse on a parking meter
In Tarentum, it is illegal for an individual to tie their horse to a parking meter even if they have paid the parking fee.
Driving at night in the countryside
When driving in the countryside at night, motorists should stop after every mile, fire a flare, and wait ten minutes. This is to prevent getting into a collision with livestock. The driver warns the cattle and other animals to get off the road by firing a flare.
Clear snow and ice from the hood of a car
In Pennsylvania, drivers must clear any snow and ice from the hood and boot of their car before driving. When driving, ice and snow can dislodge from the car and into traffic, becoming a hazard for other drivers.
Turn on the headlights if you are using your wipers
The state requires all drivers to turn on their headlights if they are using their windshield wipers during harsh weather. This includes during foggy, rainy, snowy, or misty conditions.