DMVZoneBlogPennDOT counted 1,047 traffic deaths in 2025, the fewest since records began in 1928. Cyclist and distracted driving deaths still rose. Plus which counties have the most crashes.
Pennsylvania had 1,047 traffic deaths in 979 fatal crashes in 2025, the lowest since the state started keeping records in 1928. Deaths involving impaired and unbuckled people also hit record lows. But cyclist deaths rose from 19 to 28 and distracted driving deaths rose from 49 to 54.
A record low is real progress, and seat belts and fewer impaired drivers did much of the work. But the categories that went up tell you where the next crash is likely to come from: phones, aggression and people on bikes.
| Measure | 2025 | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic deaths | 1,047 | Lowest since 1928 |
| Fatal crashes | 979 | Lowest on record |
| Reportable crashes | 109,515 | Second-lowest since 2020 |
| Impaired driving deaths | 258 | Record low |
| Unbuckled deaths | 259 | Record low |
| Cyclist deaths | 28 | Up from 19, half without helmets |
| Distracted driving deaths | 54 | Up from 49 |
| Aggressive driving deaths | Up 31% | Compared with 2020, their lowest year |
PennDOT's 2024 crash data show the biggest share of reportable crashes in the most populated counties. Allegheny County alone had more than 9 percent of the state's crashes.
| County | Share of 2024 crashes |
|---|---|
| Allegheny | 9.2% |
| Montgomery | 7.0% |
| Philadelphia | 6.7% |
| Bucks | 5.1% |
| Lancaster | 5.0% |
| Berks | 4.3% |
| Lehigh | 4.2% |
| York | 4.1% |
| Delaware | 4.1% |
| Chester | 3.9% |
Teen drivers aged 16 and 17 and drivers aged 65 to 74 were both involved in slightly more deaths in 2025. If someone in your house fits either group, a refresher drive together is cheap insurance.
How many traffic deaths did Pennsylvania record in 2025?
Answer: B. PennDOT reported 1,047 deaths, the fewest since 1928.
Which Pennsylvania county had the largest share of crashes in 2024?
Answer: C. Allegheny had about 9.2 percent of reportable crashes.
When passing a cyclist in Pennsylvania, how much space must you leave?
Answer: C. Pennsylvania's law requires at least 4 feet when passing a bicycle.
PennDOT's 2025 statewide crash release and its 2024 Crash Facts and Statistics book.
PennDOT's county crash counts are the most complete public figures. Fatality counts by county are published in the full crash facts book.
Yes. Cyclist deaths, distracted driving deaths and aggressive driving deaths all rose.
Checked against these pages on November 12, 2026. Laws change, so open the source before you rely on a number.
Rules and fees change. Always confirm the details with the official Pennsylvania DMV or motor vehicle agency before you act. DMVZone practice questions are written to teach the rules and are not copies of the real test.
PennDOT's point values for speeding, stop signs, school buses and more, what happens at 6 and 11 points, and how 3 points come off every clean year.
How Pennsylvania's automated work zone speed cameras work, when they ticket, what each violation costs, and why a camera ticket is different from a trooper's ticket.
Pennsylvania has no pay-to-erase online traffic school. Points come off through clean time, a special point exam, or Driver Improvement School once you reach 6. Drivers 55+ can earn an insurance discount.