York County Traffic Accidents in 2020

In 2020, Pennsylvania had a total of 104,493 traffic accidents. Being the 9th most populated state in America, it is no surprise that many accidents occur. This number is down considerably compared to 2019’s vehicle accident report. But because of the COVID-19 shutdown and more people working from home, it is not surprising that 2020’s numbers are lower.

How does York County factor into these traffic accident statistics? What York County road has the most accidents? What age group is the most accident-prone? Every year, PennDOT provides vehicle accident reports and statistics, where information such as time of day, location, and more are recorded. By looking at the latest PennDOT data, we can find out this information.

York County Crash Statistics

York County is Pennsylvania’s 8th most populated county. Being the 8th most populated county, York is highly prone to vehicle accidents. Especially with major highways and commuting traffic to nearby cities such as Harrisburg and Baltimore. Because of the sheer number of vehicles on the local roads, it is no wonder that there are auto accidents in York County. In 2020, there were a total of 3,977 vehicle crashes in York. This represented 3.81% of the total Pennsylvania road vehicle crashes.

Accidents By Location

Vehicle accidents most frequently occurred in York city. The downtown city regularly sees high volumes of traffic, making it very susceptible for vehicle accidents. Springettsbury Twp, which is right next to York city and home to Route 30, is next on the list. These two municipalities easily have the highest total vehicle accidents.

Municipalities with the Most Accidents

  • York City – 452 (11.37%)
  • Springettsbury Twp – 349 (8.78%)
  • York Twp – 284 (7.14%)
  • Manchester Twp – 258 (6.49%)
  • West Manchester Twp – 224 (5.63%)
  • Hanover Boro – 186 (4.68%)
  • Fairview Twp – 170 (4.27%)
  • Windsor Twp – 148 (3.72%)

Most Accident Prone Roadways

  • Route 83 – 344 (8.65%)
  • Route 74 – 325 (8.17%)
  • Route 30 – 316 (7.95%)
  • Route 462 – 205 (5.15%)
  • Route 24 – 151 (3.80%)

Accidents By Month

The Fall months of October, November, and September lead the list of top months with vehicle accidents. The colder and rainy hurricane season weather can make roads slick and dangerous to drive.

  • October – 422 (10.61%)
  • November – 396 (9.96%)
  • September – 379 (9.53%)
  • July – 371 (9.33%)
  • August – 363 (9.13%)
  • January – 356 (8.95%)

Accidents By Time of Day

Looking at the statistics, rush hour between the hours of 4pm – 5pm saw the most accidents. This time, combined with Friday being the day with the most accidents, make the most sense. People might be rushing to get home on Friday after work in anticipation for the weekend. It makes a lot of sense that this time of the week saw the highest number of vehicle accidents.

Accidents by Day of the Week

  • Friday – 639 (16.07)
  • Wednesday – 615 (15.46%)
  • Monday – 577 (14.51%)
  • Saturday – 562 (14.13%)
  • Tuesday – 553 (13.90%)
  • Thursday – 539 (13.55%)
  • Sunday – 492 (12.37%)

Time of Day with the Most Accidents

  • 4-5 pm – 325 (8.17%)
  • 3-4 pm – 314 (7.90%)
  • 5-6 pm – 306 (7.69%)
  • 2-3 pm – 266 (6.69%)

Accidents By Involvement

Accidents Involving Teens

Out of all the accidents in York County in 2020, 16.72% of them involved a teenage driver. This represents 665 total vehicle accidents.

  • 18 year olds – 234 (5.88%)
  • 19 year olds – 191 (4.80%)
  • 17 year olds – 173 (4.35%)
  • 16 year olds – 67 (1.68%)

Accidents Involving Senior Citizens

18.56% of all accidents in York involved at least one driver that was 65 or older, and 6.59% of all accidents involved a driver 75 or older.

  • 65-74 years old – 476 (11.97%)
  • 75+ years old – 262 (6.59%)