Scranton Road Safety Overview
With a population of about 75,000 people, Scranton, Pennsylvania, is one of the state’s larger cities. It may not be as sprawling as Philadelphia or Pittsburgh, of course, but its streets still present dangers for motorists, pedestrians, bicyclists, and others who use them. Safely driving through Scranton, therefore, requires a thorough understanding of these risks.
Continue reading to learn more about recent traffic accident statistics for the city of Scranton and Lackawanna County, how those statistics compare to statewide vehicle accident totals, and dangerous driving behaviors in Scranton.
By being aware of traffic accident frequency and common causes of car accidents, you could potentially lower your chances of getting into a car accident in Scranton.
General Crash Statistics for Lackawanna County and Scranton
Scranton is the most populous city in Lackawanna County, and its population accounts for a significant portion of the county’s more than 200,000 residents. In 2024, the county reported 2,260 total traffic crashes and 20 fatal wrecks.
Around 2% of the state’s total traffic collisions happened in Lackawanna County. The county’s fatal crash total was 1.8% of the state’s total in 2024.
Between 2019 and 2023, Scranton reported approximately four fatal crashes per year. All road users should remember that traffic wrecks can happen unexpectedly on any road or highway in the city.
Scranton Driving Behaviors to Watch For
Negligent driving is the leading cause of traffic crashes in Scranton and beyond. These behaviors can take many forms, but frequently encountered examples include the following:
Distracted Driving
When driving on the congested roads of a city like Scranton, all road users must pay attention to their surroundings. Texting, eating, or simply taking one’s eyes off the road, even for a short amount of time, can cause a wreck. And because distracted drivers often do not have the time before a crash to slow down, the damage and injuries they cause can be severe.
Right-of-Way Violations
Traffic safety depends in large part on motorists, motorcyclists, bicyclists, and others following the state’s right-of-way laws. These laws govern the movement of traffic on multilane roads, at intersections, and whenever vehicles attempt a turn. When one or more drivers fail to follow these laws, it can quickly lead to crashes and collisions.
Alcohol or Drug Impairment
Any drug, be it a prescription, over-the-counter, or illegal substance, can potentially impair a driver in a manner similar to alcohol. Impaired drivers often have trouble safely controlling their vehicles, seeing road signs or hazards on the road, and making informed and reasoned decisions about how to operate their vehicles from moment to moment.
Speeding
Speeding on surface roads often occurs when a driver tries to beat a yellow light at an intersection. Unsuspecting traffic might assume the motorist will slow down, so they’ll start to proceed through the intersection, leading to a side-impact collision.
A driver may also speed on any part of the roadway if they are running late to an appointment or meeting. In general, speeding for any reason can make one’s car more difficult to control and can lead to more severe crashes.
The Dangers of Scranton Roads
The number of fatal accidents that occur in Scranton and throughout Lackawanna County may pale in comparison to the stats of Pennsylvania’s larger cities, but the effects of an injury or fatal crash can be just as devastating for those involved.
Exercising caution on Scranton’s more dangerous roads and avoiding common careless driving behaviors while navigating all of the city’s streets and highways is essential to arriving safely at your destination.