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Traffic crash fatalities in Pennsylvania reached a historic low in 2025, with 1,047 deaths reported, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). This figure marks the second-lowest number of fatalities since record-keeping began in 1928, surpassed only by the year 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic significantly reduced traffic volumes.
PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll emphasized the state's commitment to reducing road deaths, stating, "Even one life lost is one too many, so while this decrease is good news, Pennsylvania remains committed to moving toward zero deaths on our roadways." The agency reported a total of 109,515 crashes in 2025, the second-lowest annual total on record. Of these, 979 were fatal, a decrease from 1,060 in 2024.
The decline in fatalities is attributed to several factors, including improved driver behavior and infrastructure investments. PennDOT noted that fatalities in impaired-driving crashes dropped from 342 in 2024 to 258 in 2025, the lowest number on record. The agency also reported reductions in lane-departure crash deaths and fatalities involving unbelted passengers.
Despite these improvements, certain categories saw increases. Aggressive-driving deaths rose by 31% since 2020, while bicyclist deaths increased from 19 in 2024 to 28 in 2025. Additionally, deaths involving drivers aged 65 to 74 and teen drivers aged 16 to 17 also saw a rise.
PennDOT has invested over $357 million in federal highway safety improvement funds and $70 million in federal behavioral safety program grants since 2023. These investments aim to enhance road safety through infrastructure improvements and education campaigns.
For more information on safe driving in Pennsylvania, visit the PennDOT website.