An Uptick in Deaths on Pennsylvania Roads Last Year

Pennsylvania traffic deaths rose about 5% in 2018 over 2017

What to Know

  • Pennsylvania traffic deaths in 2018 rose about 5% from the previous year.
  • An increase in senior citizen and pedestrian deaths helped fuel the increase, according to the report.
  • PennDOT says fatal crashes involving drivers who were 16 or 17 years of age were at a new low of 26 in 2018.

The number of people killed on Pennsylvania's roads rose in 2018, fueled by increases in the deaths of senior citizens and pedestrians.

Figures released Thursday by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation show there were 1,190 traffic deaths in the state last year. That's up nearly 5% from the 1,137 deaths in 2017.

There was a 34% increase in pedestrian deaths and fatal crashes involving senior citizens rose from 124 to 188. Alcohol-related fatal crashes rose from 293 to 331.

PennDOT says fatal crashes involving drivers who were 16 or 17 years of age were at a new low of 26 in 2018.

Officials say the 164 motorcycle fatalities were a 14-year low.

PennDOT says it continues to work to educate motorists and pedestrians about safety.

"Even one life lost is one too many, and Pennsylvania is committed to moving towards zero deaths," PennDOT Secretary Leslie Richards said. "Our biggest priority continues to be safe travel regardless of the mode you use, and we continue to work with our partners to decrease fatalities through education and outreach."

Copyright AP - Associated Press
Contact Us