As one of the largest cities in the United States, Philadelphia has its fair share of car accidents. With over 1.5 million residents and millions more commuting daily in and out of the city, vehicle collisions are an unfortunate reality on Philly’s busy streets and highways. At Gibbons & Crichton, our Philadelphia car accident lawyers have helped countless car accident victims secure the compensation they deserve.
While every crash is unique, some common causes contribute to a large number of accidents in Philadelphia. In this guide, we will examine the leading causes of car accidents in Philadelphia and provide tips on how drivers can stay safe.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has become one of the leading causes of car accidents both in Philadelphia and nationwide. Distractions behind the wheel come in many forms – talking or texting on a cell phone, eating, drinking, adjusting vehicle controls, interacting with passengers, or even daydreaming.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,142 road users lost their lives in 2024 alone.
Philadelphia has laws prohibiting the use of handheld mobile devices while driving. However, holding a phone is not the only form of distraction. Anything that takes a driver’s eyes off the road, hands off the wheel, or mind off the task of driving, even momentarily, can lead to a serious crash. Rear-end collisions and sideswipes do distracted driving cause common types of accidents.
To avoid distractions, drivers should:
- Put their phone away and set it to Do Not Disturb mode
- Pre-program GPS destinations and playlists before driving
- Ask passengers to help with tasks like navigation or adjusting controls
- Pull over safely if something requires extended attention
- Avoid multitasking and keep focused on the road
Aggressive Driving and Speeding
Philadelphia’s crowded streets can be frustrating, leading some impatient drivers to engage in aggressive behaviors like speeding, tailgating, unsafe lane changes, running red lights or stop signs, and failing to yield the right of way. Speeding, in particular, is one of the common causes of car accidents. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, speeding was a contributing factor in 25,354 crashes statewide in 2024, resulting in 415 fatalities.
Aggressive drivers often cause rear-end collisions by following too closely, broadside collisions by running red lights, or head-on collisions by veering into oncoming traffic lanes. The injuries resulting from high-speed crashes are often severe.
To prevent aggressive driving accidents, motorists should:
- Allow plenty of time to reach their destination to avoid feeling rushed
- Remain calm and avoid engaging with aggressive drivers
- Maintain a safe following distance of 3-4 seconds
- Obey posted speed limits and adjust speed for conditions like weather or construction
- Be predictable and use turn signals for lane changes and turns
Drunk and Drugged Driving
Despite extensive public awareness campaigns, drunk and drugged driving continues to be one of the leading causes of car accidents in Philadelphia and beyond.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs severely impairs judgment, coordination, reaction time, and other faculties essential for safe vehicle operation. Impaired drivers may drift out of their lane, drive on the wrong side, miss turns, or fail to brake in time, causing devastating head-on, rear-end, and rollover accidents.
To prevent impaired driving crashes:
- Arrange for a designated driver, taxi, or rideshare service if drinking
- Never get in the car with an impaired driver
- If you suspect an impaired driver on the road, maintain a safe distance and call 911 to report them
- Talk to your doctor about how any prescription medications may affect your driving ability
Inclement Weather
Philadelphia experiences various weather conditions throughout the year, from icy winter storms to heavy summer downpours. Slick roads and reduced visibility due to rain, snow, sleet, or fog are common factors in weather-related crashes.
During inclement weather, vehicles are more prone to skidding and hydroplaning, which can cause the driver to lose control. Rear-end collisions are common as stopping distances increase on slippery roads. Intersection collisions also occur frequently when drivers misjudge the time and distance needed to prevent or make a turn.
Fatigued Driving
Drowsy driving is a major road safety issue that does not always get the attention it deserves.
Driving while fatigued can be just as dangerous as drunk driving, as it impairs reaction time, decision-making, and awareness.
Fatigued drivers are prone to drifting out of their lane or off the road, potentially causing head-on collisions, sideswipes, or single-vehicle crashes. Drowsy driving accidents often occur late at night, in the early morning hours, or during the mid-afternoon lull.
To prevent fatigued driving accidents:
- Get at least 7 hours of sleep before driving
- Avoid driving during times you would normally be sleeping
- Take breaks every 2 hours or 100 miles on long trips
- Pull over to a safe place and take a quick nap if you are feeling drowsy
- Avoid medications that cause drowsiness before driving
Vehicle Defects and Maintenance Issues
While not as common as driver-related factors, vehicle equipment failures cause a portion of car accidents in Philadelphia each year. Tire blowouts, brake failures, steering or suspension issues, malfunctioning headlights or turn signals, and other defects can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle unexpectedly. Some of these issues may be due to manufacturer defects, while others result from a lack of proper vehicle maintenance.
To reduce the risk of accidents caused by vehicle issues:
- Regularly inspect tires for proper tread depth and inflation
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule
- Have any unusual noises, vibrations, or handling matters checked out promptly
- Ensure all lights and signals are functioning properly
- If a defect is suspected, report it to the manufacturer and NHTSA
Trust Our Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers
Car accidents can happen to even the most cautious drivers, but understanding the leading causes of crashes can help motorists avoid dangerous situations. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence, the Philadelphia car accident attorneys at Gibbons & Crichton are here to help. Contact us for a consultation to discuss your legal options and learn how we can fight for the compensation you deserve.