Pennsylvania Department of Transportation statistics compiled by the Pennsylvania State Data Center at Penn State Harrisburg show the number of alcohol- related traffic deaths in the Commonwealth decreased from 634 in 1992 to 503 in 1996.
Data also show that use of seatbelts continues to increase each year.
The county with the highest seatbelt usage in 1996 was Montour with 82 percent followed by Pike at 80 percent. Twelve counties had more than 50 but less then 100 alcohol-related traffic deaths while only three counties surpassed the 100 mark. The number of vehicle crashes in the state has increased almost every year since 1992. Forest County did not report a traffic fatality in 1996 while Potter County experienced only 2. Speed remains the number one cause of accidents.