The number of people killed in traffic crashes reached a new low in 2025, dropping to 1,047, the lowest since record keeping began in 1928 and 80 less than 2024, according to PennDOT statistics.

“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.”

In 2025, there were 109,515 total reportable crashes, the second lowest on record only to 2020, when traffic volumes were down statewide due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Of the total traffic crashes, there were 979 fatal crashes, the lowest on record and down from 1,060 in 2024.

Under the Shapiro Administration, PennDOT invested more than $70 million statewide in federal grant funds in behavioral safety programs to reduce fatalities and serious injuries, as part of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s mission to provide a safe transportation system for all Pennsylvanians.

In addition to behavioral safety, PennDOT focuses on infrastructure improvements to improve safety. More than $357 million in federal Highway Safety Improvement Program funds were invested in 312 unique safety projects from 2023-25. During that same time, another $30 million in state funds was invested in low-cost safety improvements at hundreds of locations — which include centerline and edge-line rumble strips, warning signs and pavement markings and high friction surface treatments.

PennDOT currently has $106.5 million in HSIP funds committed to 198 unique safety projects in 2026.

DUI fatalities drop

According to PennDOT statistics, the number of fatalities in impaired driver crashes dropped from 342 in 2024 to 258 last year, the lowest number on record. PennDOT annually distributes more than $6.7 million from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for impaired driving enforcement. Impaired driving mobilizations include high-visibility enforcement and education campaigns that aim to eliminate driving under the influence.

Fatalities in lane departure crashes (crashes where a vehicle left its travel lane) dropped from 537 in 2024 to 492 last year, the lowest on record. PennDOT’s Low-Cost Safety Improvement Program has implemented proven safety countermeasures at thousands of locations over the last 15 years. These include rumble strips, high friction surface treatments, high-tension cable median barriers and curve warnings in advance through signs and pavement markings.

Seat belts proven to save lives

Fatalities where a driver or passenger wasn’t wearing a seat belt dropped from 311 in 2024 to 259 last year, the lowest number since record keeping began. These fatalities are completely preventable, and data shows that seat belts save lives, PennDOT said in a news release.

It is estimated that 90% of unbelted occupants, or 233 people, who were killed in crashes while traveling in passenger vehicles could have survived if they had been buckled up, PennDOT officials said, while urging drivers and passengers to do their part to help reduce unrestrained fatalities to zero — buckle up every trip, every time.

Aggressive driving, bicycle deaths

While fatalities for most types of crashes were down in 2025, some types saw increases. Fatalities involving aggressive driving have gone up 31% since 2020, the year of the record low. Aggressive driving includes running a stop sign or red light, tailgating, sudden slowing or stopping, careless passing or passing in a no passing zone, speeding or driving too fast for conditions and more. PennDOT invests approximately $18.4 million annually in federal grant funds statewide, partnering with state and local police to deliver high-visibility enforcement, including three enforcement waves focused on aggressive driving, with the most recent wave announced March 18.

Bicyclist fatalities increased from 19 in 2024 to 28 last year. Of the 28 bicyclist fatalities, 14 were not wearing a helmet. In Pennsylvania, children under the age of 12 must wear a helmet while riding a bicycle, but PennDOT strongly recommends that all bicyclists wear helmets whenever they ride. Twelve bicyclists were riding e-bikes, which have an electric assist and travel at higher speeds.

While fatalities involving a distracted driver were up slightly, from 49 in 2024 to 54 last year, the long-term trend is decreasing, thanks in part to Pennsylvania’s new hands-free law. Signed into law in June 2024 and effective in June 2025, Paul Miller’s Law prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving, even while stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red light or other delays. Drivers can still use their phones to alert authorities in the event of an emergency and use hands-free technology to make phone calls, use a GPS and listen to music.

Beginning June 5, drivers convicted of using a hand-held device while driving will pay a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees.

Driver behavior leading factor

Fatalities in crashes involving a driver aged 65 to 74 years old increased from 162 in 2024 to 185 in 2025. The number of licensed Pennsylvania drivers in this age group has increased 24% over the last 10 years, while overall PA licensed driver growth is about 2%.

Fatalities in crashes involving a teen driver aged 16 to 17 years old increased from 27 in 2024 to 31 last year.

Drivers’ behavior is the leading factor in 83% of the fatal crashes that occur annually on Pennsylvania roadways. These behaviors include driving distracted, impaired, aggressive and others.