HARRISBURG — The number of fatal crashes reported in the Commonwealth have seen a decline according to numbers reported in 2025 by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT).

PennDOT released the information this week, noting the number of individuals killed in traffic crashes dropped to 1,047, the lowest since record keeping began in 1928. This was 80 fatalities less than 2024.

“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. Please drive safely. 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.”

According to information released by PennDOT, in 2025, there were a total of 109,515 total reported crashes. This was the second lowest on record only to 2020, when traffic volumes decreased statewide due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Of the total traffic crashes reported in 2025, there 979 fatal crashes compared to 1,060 in 2024.

According to the release from PennDOT, the department — through initiatives made by the Shapiro Administration — invested over $70 million statewide in federal grant funding for behavioral safety programs in an effort to reduce fatalities and serious injuries.

The release noted PennDOT also has continued its work on infrastructure improvements, using more than $357 million in federal Highway Safety Improvement Program funds in over 300 safety projects from 2023 to 2025. Another $30 million in state funds was invested in low-cost safety improvements for hundreds of locations, the release added.

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

PennDOT’s release noted the number of fatalities for impaired driver crashes also dropped from 342 in 2024 to 258 in 2025. This was also the lowest number on record, the release said.

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.

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. It is estimated that 90 percent 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,” the release said. “PennDOT urges drivers and passengers to do their part to help reduce unrestrained fatalities to zero — buckle up every trip, every time.”

PennDOT’s release acknowledged that, while most types of crashes were down, fatalities involving aggressive driving did go up. According to its data, PennDOT said these types of fatalities went up 31 percent since 2020, which was a record low.

According to PennDOT, aggressive driving includes running stop signs or red lights, tailgating, sudden slowing or stopping, careless passing or passing in a no passing zone, speeding or driving too fast for conditions and other factors.

PennDOT noted it has invested about $18.4 million annually in federal grant funding statewide, partners with state and local police to ensure high-visibility enforcement as a deterrent to aggressive driving.

PennDOT’s release touched on other aspects of its data regarding fatalities reported in 2025.

According to the release, bicyclist fatalities increased by almost 10, from 19 in 2024 to 28 last year. It was noted, of that number, 14 individuals were not wearing a helmet. Twelve of the bicyclists were riding an e-bike, which through the electric assist, can travel at higher rates of speed and create more danger.

“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,” the release said.

Distracted driver related fatalities also increased from 49 in 2024 to 54 in 2025. PennDOT noted, though there was an increase this year, it’s seeing a decreasing trend long-term.

It credits the new hands-free law, Paul Miller’s Law, which took effect in June 2025 and prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving, even while stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red light or other delays.

PennDOT noted its data regarding distracted driving crashes is likely underreported. This is due to drivers’ reluctance to admit to being distracted at the time of a crash, the release said.

“Cell phone use is not the only distraction while driving. Anything that takes your attention away from driving, your eyes off the road, or your hands off the wheel is a distraction. If distraction results in unsafe driving, drivers can be stopped by police for careless driving,” the release said.

Also included in PennDOT’s release was information about fatalities involving drivers aged 65 to 74. According to the department, there was an increase from 162 in 2024 to 185 last year.

PennDOT noted the number of licensed Pennsylvania drivers in this age group has increased by 24 percent in the last 10 years, but overall Pa. licensed driver growth is about 2 percent.

“Older drivers aren’t necessarily unsafe drivers, but the decision to stop should be made by an older driver, their doctor and their family,” the release said.

Fatalities in crashes involving a teen driver between the ages of 16 to 17 years old increased as well — from 27 in 2024 to 31 in 2025.

For more information on safe driving in Pennsylvania, visit pa.gov/dotsafety.