Quick answer
According to crimebycity.com's analysis of NHTSA data, Pennsylvania recorded 5,876 traffic deaths in 5,498 fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period — 9.1 per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #41 of 50 states (most dangerous first); the US average is 12.3.
Traffic Deaths (5-Yr Total)
Deaths per 100K per Year
State Rank
Pennsylvania Traffic Deaths by Year
The Most Dangerous Pennsylvania Cities to Drive In
All 54 ranked Pennsylvania cities by Road Danger Score (5-year traffic deaths per 100,000 residents, most dangerous first).
| # | City | Danger Score | Deaths (5-Yr) | Deaths per 100K/yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chester City | 90/100 | 29 | 17.1 |
| 2 | Harrisburg | 85/100 | 37 | 14.8 |
| 3 | Wyomissing Borough | 78/100 | 7 | 12.6 |
| 4 | Kingston | 64/100 | 7 | 9.8 |
| 5 | Mckeesport | 63/100 | 9 | 9.7 |
| 6 | Williamsport | 62/100 | 13 | 9.5 |
| 7 | Monroeville | 60/100 | 13 | 9.4 |
| 8 | Philadelphia | 59/100 | 712 | 9.2 |
| 9 | Pottsville | 58/100 | 6 | 9.0 |
| 10 | New Kensington | 54/100 | 5 | 8.5 |
| 11 | Jefferson Hills Borough | 53/100 | 5 | 8.3 |
| 12 | Erie | 51/100 | 37 | 8.0 |
| 13 | West Mifflin Borough | 47/100 | 7 | 7.5 |
| 14 | Hanover Borough | 45/100 | 6 | 7.2 |
| 15 | Pittsburgh | 44/100 | 111 | 7.0 |
| 16 | Allentown | 43/100 | 43 | 6.9 |
| 17 | Lebanon | 43/100 | 9 | 6.9 |
| 18 | Murrysville | 42/100 | 7 | 6.8 |
| 19 | Bethlehem | 41/100 | 26 | 6.6 |
| 20 | Johnstown | 36/100 | 6 | 6.0 |
| 21 | Wilkes Barre City | 35/100 | 13 | 5.9 |
| 22 | Scranton | 32/100 | 21 | 5.5 |
| 23 | Upper Merion Township | 31/100 | 10 | 5.5 |
| 24 | Warminster Township | 31/100 | 9 | 5.4 |
| 25 | Chambersburg Borough | 30/100 | 6 | 5.4 |
| 26 | Pottstown Borough | 27/100 | 6 | 5.1 |
| 27 | Norristown Borough | 26/100 | 9 | 5.0 |
| 28 | Altoona | 20/100 | 9 | 4.2 |
| 29 | Bensalem Township | 20/100 | 13 | 4.1 |
| 30 | Reading | 19/100 | 20 | 4.1 |
| 31 | York | 19/100 | 9 | 4.0 |
| 32 | Easton | 19/100 | 6 | 4.0 |
| 33 | Lancaster | 13/100 | 9 | 3.2 |
| 34 | Ross Township | 13/100 | 5 | 3.1 |
| 35 | Plum Borough | 12/100 | 4 | 3.1 |
| 36 | Hazleton | 10/100 | 4 | 2.7 |
| 37 | Cheltenham Township | 9/100 | 5 | 2.6 |
| 38 | Mccandless Township | 7/100 | 3 | 2.1 |
| 39 | Penn Hills Township | 7/100 | 4 | 2.0 |
| 40 | Ephrata | 6/100 | 3 | 1.8 |
| 41 | Middletown Township | 6/100 | 4 | 1.8 |
| 42 | Upper Darby Township | 5/100 | 7 | 1.7 |
| 43 | Derry Township | 5/100 | 2 | 1.6 |
| 44 | Lower Providence Township | 5/100 | 2 | 1.5 |
| 45 | Bristol Township | 5/100 | 4 | 1.5 |
| 46 | Moon Township | 3/100 | 1 | 0.8 |
| 47 | Shaler Township | 2/100 | 1 | 0.7 |
| 48 | Horsham Township | 2/100 | 1 | 0.7 |
| 49 | Westtown-East Goshen Regional | 2/100 | 1 | 0.7 |
| 50 | Manheim Township | 2/100 | 2 | 0.6 |
| 51 | Bethel Park Borough | 2/100 | 1 | 0.6 |
| 52 | Mount Lebanon | 2/100 | 1 | 0.6 |
| 53 | Cranberry Township | 2/100 | 1 | 0.6 |
| 54 | Haverford Township | 1/100 | 1 | 0.4 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How many car accidents happen in Pennsylvania?
NHTSA's Fatality Analysis Reporting System recorded 5,498 fatal car accidents in Pennsylvania over the most recent five-year period, killing 5,876 people — an average of 1,175 traffic deaths per year.
How dangerous are Pennsylvania roads compared to other states?
Pennsylvania averages 9.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year, ranking #41 of 50 states (most dangerous first). The US average is 12.3 per 100,000.
What causes fatal car accidents in Pennsylvania?
Of Pennsylvania's fatal crashes over the most recent five-year period, 25% involved a drinking driver, 39% involved speeding, and 43% happened in dark conditions.
Which Pennsylvania city is the most dangerous to drive in?
Among ranked Pennsylvania cities, Chester City has the highest Road Danger Score (90/100) at 17.1 traffic deaths per 100,000 residents per year.