06-05-2025
PennDOT: 2024 traffic fatalities in Pennsylvania second lowest on record
May 5—WILKES-BARRE — The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation this week announced that the number of people who lost their lives on Pennsylvania highways decreased to 1,127 in 2024 — the second lowest since record keeping began in 1928 and 82 less than in 2023.
"While this decrease in fatalities is certainly good news, even one life lost is one too many," said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. "PennDOT will continue to work with our partners to decrease traffic deaths through education and outreach, but we will only get to zero fatalities when everyone works together. Please pay attention when you are driving, always follow the speed limit, and never drive impaired. And buckle up! Your seat belt can save your life in a crash."
PennDOT annually invests approximately $32.4 million statewide in federal grant funds in behavioral safety programs to reduce fatalities and serious injuries.
In addition to behavioral safety, PennDOT focuses on infrastructure improvements.
Approximately $591 million in federal Highway Safety Improvement Program funds were invested in 392 unique safety projects from 2020 to 2024. During that same time, another $50 million in state funds was invested in low-cost safety improvements at over a thousand locations — which include centerline and edge-line rumble strips, warning signs and pavement markings and high-friction surface treatments.
The number of fatalities in impaired driver crashes dropped from 429 in 2023 to 342 last year.
PennDOT annually distributes more than $6.2 million from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration for impaired driving enforcement. Impaired driving mobilizations include coordinated enforcement as well as education campaigns that aim to eliminate driving under the influence.
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 more than 260 Drug Recognition Experts or specially trained officers who look for impaired drivers and assist in DUI investigations when drug-impaired driving is suspected.
Fatalities in lane departure crashes dropped from 629 in 2023 to 537 last year. This decrease continues a long-term trend of reducing lane departure fatalities.
PennDOT's Low-Cost Safety Improvement Program has implemented safety countermeasures at thousands of locations over the last 15 years. These include rumble strips, high friction surface treatments, high-tension cable median barriers and advanced curve warning through signs and pavement markings.
While fatalities for most types of crashes were down in 2024, some types saw increases. Fatalities in intersection crashes increased to 321 — up from 301 in 2023.
Fatalities in crashes at intersections with a stop sign also increased from 98 in 2023 to 111 last year.
PennDOT regularly reviews factors in fatal crashes at intersections and works to improve safety at intersections with stop signs by addressing issues like sight and stopping distance.
For information on PennDOT's highway safety initiatives, visit
Courts launch sexual violence awareness campaign
In recognition of Sexual Violence Awareness Month in April, the Pennsylvania Courts recently launched a new digital ad campaign to inform the public about the resources available for survivors who seek the courts' assistance.
Sexual violence involves any forced or manipulated sexual activity without consent. Nationally, one in five women and one in 71 men will experience sexual assault, with one in four girls and one in six boys assaulted before age 18.
The Protection of Victims of Sexual Violence or Intimidation Act, enacted in 2015, provides a civil remedy for survivors who may not qualify for a Protection from Abuse Order.
Specifically, survivors may seek a special type of protection order called a Sexual Violence Protection Order to guard against further abuse, even if no criminal charges have been filed. Unlike a PFA, an SVPO doesn't require an intimate or household relationship with the abuser.
Survivors in need of support are encouraged to contact the Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect at 1-888-772-7227 or visit
Landmark adult-use cannabis legislation introduced
Rep. Rick Krajewski, D-Phila., and Rep. Dan Frankel, D-Allegheny, officially introduced long-awaited legislation to legalize adult-use cannabis in Pennsylvania — a proposal designed to center public health, repair communities harmed by prohibition and create a stable, sustainable market.
The Cannabis Health & Safety Act (HB1200) was approved by the House Health Committee Monday by a 14-12 party line vote and now moves to the full House of Representatives for consideration.
"The time is now for Pennsylvania," said Krajewski, who spent the last legislative session leading six hearings to study the successes and shortcomings of cannabis programs nationwide. "We have listened carefully to public health experts, criminal justice reformers, small business advocates and community leaders. Our bill reflects what we've learned — that we can and must legalize cannabis in a way that is safe, equitable and beneficial to all Pennsylvanians."
With 24 states — including nearly all of Pennsylvania's neighbors — having already legalized recreational cannabis, and public opinion overwhelmingly in support, the lawmakers say the commonwealth cannot afford to wait any longer.
The next step for the legislation is consideration by the House Health Committee Frankel chairs.
"By legalizing and regulating cannabis thoughtfully, we can avoid pitfalls that have marred roll outs in other states," Frankel said. "Our plan will create clear rules that protect consumers, educate the public and ensure that Pennsylvania small businesses and taxpayers — not out-of-state corporations — benefit from the profits."
Key priorities of the bill include:
—Automatically clearing criminal records and advancing restorative justice for those impacted by cannabis-related offenses.
—Reinvesting tax revenue into communities disproportionately harmed by the war on drugs.
—Implementing critical public health protections, including THC limits, marketing restrictions and child safety measures.
—Creating pathways for diverse and local entrepreneurs to participate in the regulated cannabis market, with priority on licensing and contracting.
—Maximizing state revenue and accountability with publicly owned and accountable retail stores.
As structured in the Cannabis Health and Safety Act, the hybrid marketplace is projected to bring in more than a half-billion dollars for the Commonwealth every year from both taxes and profits.
Walsh to host seminar on financial exploitation of seniors
Rep. Jamie Walsh, R-Ross Township, invites residents of the 117th District to a free seminar on the financial exploitation of seniors at noon Friday, May 16, at the Meadows Manor Community Room, 200 Lake St., Dallas.
Doors will open at 10:30 a.m., with a complimentary lunch provided at 11:30 a.m.
David Shallcross, director of senior protection at the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, will lead a presentation on spotting and preventing financial exploitation among older adults.
"Fraudsters and scammers are constantly changing their tactics to prey upon unsuspecting victims," Walsh said. "Awareness is our best defense against financial exploitation. I am happy to offer this free seminar to help my constituents learn the red flags and protect themselves and their loved ones from falling victim to financial fraud schemes."
Registration is required. Call Walsh's Dallas office at 570-675-6000 for information or to reserve a seat.
Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
