Pennsylvania Sees Record Low Crash Deaths, but Speeding and Drunk Driving Remain Top Killers
A review of 2024 data from PennDOT reveals that fatal car crashes took a significant hit last year, with only 110,765 reportable traffic crashes resulting in 1,127 deaths - the second-lowest number since records began in 1928. Notably, this marks a decrease of 82 fatalities compared to 2023.
Despite this improvement, speeding and alcohol remain the most common factors contributing to fatal collisions. According to PennDOT's annual report, speeding was responsible for the deaths of 357 people - accounting for approximately 32% of all fatalities. Alcohol involvement in crashes claimed 244 lives, making up around 22% of fatalities last year.
Alcohol-related crashes showed a decline from 308 in 2023, but were nearly three and a half times more likely to result in deadly injuries compared to those unrelated to drinking. However, the report notes that men driving under the influence were responsible for 72% of fatal alcohol-related crashes, with 75% of those who died succumbing to their injuries while intoxicated.
A concerning trend among younger drivers is also observed, as underage drinking accounted for an 8% share of driver deaths involving people between 16 and 20 years old. This represents a decline from 10% in 2023 and 23% in 2022 within the same age group.
Holiday periods saw increased traffic congestion, resulting in 13,103 crashes and 152 fatalities during major federal holidays - accounting for approximately 13% of total traffic deaths last year. While 9% of holiday-related crashes involved alcohol use, a staggering 30% of traffic deaths during holiday weekends were alcohol-related.
Beyond speeding and drunk driving, the most common causes of crashes in Pennsylvania include improper turns, distracted driving, and violations of traffic laws at signals and other stops. Moreover, nearly half of people killed in fatal crashes last year were not wearing seat belts, a concerning statistic that highlights the need for continued emphasis on road safety education.
The report also notes an uptick in collisions between cars and bicycles over the past two years, with 1,271 such incidents recorded last year - resulting in 19 cyclist fatalities. Conversely, pedestrian deaths decreased from 3,199 in 2023 to 174 last year.
PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll welcomed the decrease in traffic fatalities but emphasized that education and outreach efforts must continue to be prioritized to improve road safety. "We will only get to zero fatalities when everyone works together," he said. "Please pay attention when you are driving, always follow the speed limit, and never drive impaired."
A review of 2024 data from PennDOT reveals that fatal car crashes took a significant hit last year, with only 110,765 reportable traffic crashes resulting in 1,127 deaths - the second-lowest number since records began in 1928. Notably, this marks a decrease of 82 fatalities compared to 2023.
Despite this improvement, speeding and alcohol remain the most common factors contributing to fatal collisions. According to PennDOT's annual report, speeding was responsible for the deaths of 357 people - accounting for approximately 32% of all fatalities. Alcohol involvement in crashes claimed 244 lives, making up around 22% of fatalities last year.
Alcohol-related crashes showed a decline from 308 in 2023, but were nearly three and a half times more likely to result in deadly injuries compared to those unrelated to drinking. However, the report notes that men driving under the influence were responsible for 72% of fatal alcohol-related crashes, with 75% of those who died succumbing to their injuries while intoxicated.
A concerning trend among younger drivers is also observed, as underage drinking accounted for an 8% share of driver deaths involving people between 16 and 20 years old. This represents a decline from 10% in 2023 and 23% in 2022 within the same age group.
Holiday periods saw increased traffic congestion, resulting in 13,103 crashes and 152 fatalities during major federal holidays - accounting for approximately 13% of total traffic deaths last year. While 9% of holiday-related crashes involved alcohol use, a staggering 30% of traffic deaths during holiday weekends were alcohol-related.
Beyond speeding and drunk driving, the most common causes of crashes in Pennsylvania include improper turns, distracted driving, and violations of traffic laws at signals and other stops. Moreover, nearly half of people killed in fatal crashes last year were not wearing seat belts, a concerning statistic that highlights the need for continued emphasis on road safety education.
The report also notes an uptick in collisions between cars and bicycles over the past two years, with 1,271 such incidents recorded last year - resulting in 19 cyclist fatalities. Conversely, pedestrian deaths decreased from 3,199 in 2023 to 174 last year.
PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll welcomed the decrease in traffic fatalities but emphasized that education and outreach efforts must continue to be prioritized to improve road safety. "We will only get to zero fatalities when everyone works together," he said. "Please pay attention when you are driving, always follow the speed limit, and never drive impaired."
It's great that PennDOT is focusing on education and outreach efforts to improve road safety, but it's also crucial that everyone takes personal responsibility for their actions behind the wheel. The stats are eye-opening - speeding, drunk driving, and not wearing seatbelts are still major contributors to fatal crashes in PA. We need more than just a report to make progress! 
. So cool that they're down 82 people last year but still gotta worry 'bout speeding & drunk driving. 357 people died 'cause of speeding, that's crazy! 
And did you know men drinking & driving are responsible for most fatal crashes? Not surprising tho 
. Younger drivers (16-20) are also getting into accidents more often, even if they're underage. 
Holiday traffic is a real thing too, with 13% of all deaths happening during holiday weekends. Should really try to stay safe on the roads, you feel? 
357 people dying from just one thing is insane! We need to get those speeds under control ASAP. And what's with the men who drink and drive? It's not even close to safe, 72% of fatal crashes are all them? That's crazy. 
! It's awesome that they're cracking down on speeding and drunk driving – those are like, super obvious ways to die on the road 
Pedestrian deaths are way too high tho, let's hope this trend continues 
. Overall, it's a step in the right direction, but there's still work to be done 
I'm not surprised to see that speeding is still a major issue in PA - it's just common sense, right? 
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I'm glad to see a dip in fatal crashes in PA but it's still super scary that people are still dying because they're speeding or drunk 
. And can we please talk about why so many people aren't wearing seatbelts? Like, it's literally a life saver 
. We cant keep ignoring speeding & booze as the top killers 
. Those holiday traffic numbers are eye-opening - lets make sure our roads are safer no matter when you're driving 
. And those cyclist deaths... 
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. but seriously, the fact that 1/3 of all fatalities were caused by speedin' is wild 
and then there's this thing about underage drinkin' - 8% share of driver deaths involving people between 16-20? that's a concern 
. and can we talk about how many people died without wearin' seatbelts last year? 
. we need to keep pushin' for change and gettin' those numbers down 
and another thing that concerns me is how many ppl aren't wearing seatbelts, 50% is like, a big deal 
we need to keep pushing for road safety education so everyone can get home safely 
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. We need more awareness campaigns and resources to help people make safe choices behind the wheel. Let's get those numbers down to zero eventually 
When it comes to road safety, it's easy to say "please pay attention" but how many of us really put our foot down and make those changes? We need to be more proactive in teaching younger drivers about responsible drinking and driving habits.
I'm so relieved that crash deaths in PA went down last year but still got me really frustrated. Like, how can we keep ignoring speeding and drunk driving? It's not even that hard to follow the speed limit and don't drink and drive... it's just basic common sense 
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On a serious note though, it's rad to see fewer fatalities from car crashes, but we gotta keep workin' on them reckless driving habits 
Seatbelts are key, folks! If not, you might just end up like the 19 cyclists who met their maker last year 
just saw that speeding is still a huge issue in PA with 357 deaths last year alone... 
. And don't even get me started on the fact that alcohol involvement in crashes claimed 244 lives 
. It's not just about getting a DWI, it's about being reckless and putting yourself and others at risk.
. That's just basic human decency right there. Prioritize road safety education and let's get those numbers down!