The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) released the 2023 Statewide Traffic Fatality Data. Last year, 1,209 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes on Pennsylvania roadways.

“Even one traffic fatality is one too many,” said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. “Traffic deaths are preventable, but we need your help. Safety on our roadways is a shared responsibility. We can only get to zero fatalities with everyone working together. Please pay attention behind the wheel, slow down, and never drive impaired. And buckle up! Your seat belt is your best defense against reckless drivers.”

While the overall number of highway deaths increased last year from 1,179 in 2022 to 1,209 in 2023, decreases in fatalities were noted in several crash types including fatalities in drinking driver crashes, fatalities in crashes at signalized intersections, and unrestrained fatalities.

There were 265 fatalities in drinking driver crashes in 2023, down from 286 in 2022. Fatalities in impaired driver and drugged driver crashes were also down in 2023. PennDOT annually distributes nearly $6 million from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for impaired driving enforcement. Impaired driving mobilizations include coordinated enforcement as well as education campaigns that aim to eliminate driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Impaired driving enforcement goes beyond checking for alcohol impairment. Law enforcement also work to identify motorists impaired by illegal drugs and prescription medication or some combination of these. Pennsylvania has approximately 250 Drug Recognition Experts (DRE) or specially trained officers who look for impaired drivers and assist in DUI investigations when drug-impaired driving is suspected.

There were 117 fatalities in crashes at signalized intersections, down from 133 in 2022. PennDOT examined 9,000 signalized intersections across Pennsylvania and identified pedestrian countdown signals as a proven safety countermeasure that would improve accessibility and safety for pedestrians. PennDOT invested $14 million in 779 intersections currently undergoing these upgrades across the state. The pedestrian countdown indicators are expected to reduce all crashes at these signalized intersections by nearly 9%.

While unrestrained fatalities reached the lowest number since record keeping began, at 316 deaths, there were still too many. Unrestrained fatalities are completely preventable. As evidenced by PennDOT data, seat belts save lives. It is estimated that 92% of unbelted occupants, or 282 people, who were killed in crashes while traveling in passenger vehicles, including cars, small trucks, vans, and SUVs, could have survived if they had been buckled up. PennDOT urges motorists to do their part to help reduce unrestrained fatalities to zero – buckle up every trip, every time.

Crash types with notable increases in fatalities in 2023 include non-motorized fatalities, motorcyclist fatalities, fatalities in head-on/opposite direction side swipe crashes, and fatalities in lane departure crashes.

There were 222 non-motorized fatalities in 2023, up from 199 in 2022. Investment in infrastructure updates and educating road users are equally important when it comes to improving safety for non-motorized road users. In 2023, PennDOT completed a data driven safety assessment of vulnerable road users (VRU). Required under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), the VRU Safety Assessment Report identifies locations with the highest risk for pedestrians and bicyclists and provides safety countermeasures for non-motorized road users. These locations will be prioritized for safety improvements.

Beginning in 2024, PennDOT is investing $850,000 from NHTSA over three years in a new safety education project aimed at reducing the number of bicycle and pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries in Pennsylvania by educating bicyclists, pedestrians, and motorists about the rules of the road relating to vulnerable road user safety. As part of the project, PennDOT Safety Press Officers across the state will be equipped with materials needed for enhanced bicycle and pedestrian safety programming.

Motorcyclist fatalities reached a 20-year high in 2023 at 238, an increase from 217 in 2022. PennDOT offers free motorcycle safety training to Pennsylvania Class M permit and motorcycle license holders. The Pennsylvania Motorcycle Safety Program offers riders the opportunity to earn a motorcycle license or refresh their skills through a variety of training to help develop safe riding skills, no matter how experienced or inexperienced. Courses include the Basic Rider Course, the Intermediate Rider Course, the Advanced Rider Course, and the 3-Wheeled Motorcycle Basic Rider Course.

Fatalities in head-on/opposite direction side swipe crashes reached a 15-year high at 197, up from 181 in 2022. Fatalities in lane departure crashes hit a 5-year high at 606, an increase from 568 in 2022. Factors in these crashes include driver behaviors such as speeding, driving impaired, and driving distracted. PennDOT continues to systemically install multiple proven safety countermeasures like rumble strips, high friction surface treatments, high tension cable median barriers, and signs and pavement markings to reduce these lane departure crashes. A June 2023 study by Penn State University showed that high friction surface treatments applied around curves reduced fatal and injury crashes by 50% and lane departure crashes by almost 55%.

It’s a crash, not an accident. Driver behavior is the leading factor in 83% of the approximately 1,100 fatal crashes that occur annually on Pennsylvania roadways. These behaviors include driving distracted, impaired, or aggressive. These behaviors are choices. Drivers don’t intend to cause a crash, but their choices kill innocent victims every day. Choose to do the right thing because your choices are no accident.