Chesco Traffic Fatalities Decrease 20 Percent In 2022

HARRISBURG, PA —Fatal crashes in 2022 on roadways in Chester County decreased by 20 percent from 2021 to 27, PennDOT reported.

PennDOT released the 2022 annual report on Tuesday to promote the campaign, “Put the Brakes on Fatalities.”

The national campaign encourages all road users to do their part to help prevent traffic fatalities.

Chester County reported eight of the 27 fatalities in 2022 were alcohol-related.

According to the PennDOT report, Chester County had one pedestrian traffic fatality in 2022, the least amount in the last five years.

Chester County reported 34 fatalities in 2021, 33 in 2020; and 29 in 2019. Of the 34 fatal crashes in 2021, nine were alcohol-related, according to PennDOT’s report.

The data shows that the highest number of fatalities on holidays statewide occur on the day after Thanksgiving with 20 fatalities.

In Pennsylvania, in 022, fatalities decreased by about four percent, from 1,230 in 2021 to 1,179 in 2022, after two straight years of increases.

In 2019, fatalities dropped to 1,059, the lowest since record-keeping began in 1928.

Although driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is completely avoidable, fatalities in crashes involving an impaired driver still amount to nearly 40 percent of all traffic fatalities in Pennsylvania, according to PennDOT.

PennDOT recommends that drivers can help save lives by planning ahead for a sober driver or using public transportation or a ride-share service.

“We urge drivers to limit distractions and slow down,” said Commissioner Colonel Christopher Paris of the state police. “The motoring public must make highway safety a priority to reduce the number of crashes on Pennsylvania’s roadways.”

Drivers can help reduce crashes and fatalities by always following the speed limit and paying attention when behind the wheel, especially in work zones where roadway conditions can change every day.