Report: PA Traffic Fatalities
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) recently released its latest crash statistics, and while the overall picture shows progress, the numbers highlight just how common—and devastating—traffic crashes remain.
In 2024, there were 110,765 reportable crashes across the state. Those crashes claimed 1,127 lives and injured nearly 67,000 people. On average, that means:
- 303 crashes every day (13 crashes every hour)
- 3 fatalities each day (one life lost every 8 hours)
- 183 people injured daily (about 8 injuries every hour)
The Good News—and the Bad
Fatalities dropped in several key categories compared to 2023. Deaths caused by impaired drivers fell from 429 to 342, and lane departure fatalities dropped from 629 to 537. These are significant improvements that reflect ongoing efforts to curb reckless and impaired driving.
However, not all trends were positive. Intersection-related deaths increased to 321 (up from 301), and fatalities at stop sign-controlled intersections rose to 111 (up from 98). These numbers underscore how quickly a routine trip—often just a few miles from home—can end in tragedy.
The Role of Driver Behavior
PennDOT reports that driver behavior plays a role in 83% of all crashes. The biggest culprits? Distracted driving, impaired driving, and aggressive behavior. While PennDOT continues to invest millions of dollars in education, enforcement, and outreach programs, the reality is that every driver has the power to make Pennsylvania roads safer—or more dangerous.
For more details on Pennsylvania’s crash data, you can visit crashinfo.penndot.pa.gov.
For victims of crashes, the numbers are more than statistics—they’re life-changing realities. A single moment of another driver’s poor decision-making can leave you facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and long-term pain and suffering. That’s why it’s important to understand your rights.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident in the Philadelphia region, you may want to talk to a top Philadelphia car accident law firm to weigh your legal options. Please contact us to set a time to meet with no obligation and no consultation fee.