PennDOT releases traffic death report for 2018; Jefferson County saw five

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has announced that in 2018, statewide traffic deaths increased to 1,190 from the record low of 1,137 in 2017. Last year was the third-lowest number of highway fatalities recorded and overall fatalities continue to trend downward.

“Even one life lost is one too many, and Pennsylvania is committed to moving towards zero deaths,” PennDOT Secretary Leslie S. 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.”

While the overall number of statewide highway deaths increased last year, decreases were noted in single vehicle run-off-the-road crashes, crashes involving motorcyclists, and heavy truck crashes.

In PennDOT District 10, Jefferson County saw five fatalities in 2018, of which 80% were not wearing their seat belts. Clarion County saw 8 fatalities, of which 63% involved impaired drivers. Indiana County had 10 fatalities in 2018, 30% of which involved impaired drivers.