Traffic deaths in Pennsylvania increased in 2018 statewide after a record-breaking low in fatalities the year before, PennDOT reported this week.
In 2018, 1,190 people died in traffic accidents, a 53-person increase – or 4.66% — during the same period in 2017. The largest increases were involving drug- or alcohol-impaired drivers, pedestrians and senior-aged drivers.
LATEST: Lane, highway closures will impact travel on Schuylkill Expressway through Center City next week
Although the overall number of fatalities increased from 2017, single vehicle run-off-the-road crashes decreased, as well as crashes involving motorcycles and heavy trucks.
And despite this annual uptick, officials say the long-term trend is that crash deaths are continuing the fall. Figures from 2014 show an overall decrease with 164 motorcycle fatalities in 2018, which was a 14-year low. Fatalities among young drivers ages 16 and 17 were also at a new low.
Here are some other figures PennDOT released on Thursday.
- Crashes involving alcohol- or drug-impaired drivers went up from 335 in 2017 to 355.
- Crashes involving pedestrians increased from 150 in 2017 to 201.
- Crashes involving drivers ages 65 to 74 increased from 124 in 2017 to 188.
- According to national data, more than 90% of crashes are caused by driver behavior.
- Between 2014 and 2018, more than $50 million in state funds were used to install safety measures like rumble strips, pavement markings, and signage.
Follow Emily & PhillyVoice on Twitter @emily_rolen | @thePhillyVoice
Like us on Facebook: PhillyVoice
Add Emily’s RSS feed to your feed reader
Have a news tip? Let us know.