Pennsylvania reports record low traffic deaths in 2025

Pennsylvania saw a record low number of traffic deaths in 2025, according to PennDOT.

The department said 1,047 people were killed in traffic crashes last year, which is 80 fewer than last year and the lowest since record keeping began in 1928.

"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," said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. "PennDOT will continue to do our part to decrease fatalities through education and outreach, but we will only reach zero when we all work together."

PennDOT said there were 109,515 total reportable crashes, which was the second lowest on record only to 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic kept drivers off the road.  Of those total crashes, 979 were fatal, down from 1,060 last year. 

The number of people killed in impaired driver crashes dropped from 342 to 258 last year, which was also the lowest on record. Fatalities in lane departure crashes and fatalities when someone wasn't wearing a seatbelt declined as well. PennDOT attributes the decrease in deaths to infrastructure improvements and initiatives like enforcement and education campaigns. 

Deaths involving a distracted driver were up from 49 to 54, but PennDOT says the long-term trend is decreasing, and a law that went into effect last June makes it illegal to use hand-held devices while driving, even while stopped because of traffic or a red light. 

"Please drive safely," Carroll said. "Put the phone down when you are behind the wheel. Always follow the speed limit and never drive impaired. And buckle up! Your seat belt can save your life in a crash."