PENNSYLVANIA — The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) has released its annual New Year’s holiday crash and enforcement report, providing an eye-opening snapshot of traffic violations and accidents during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
The Report in Numbers
Over the three-day New Year’s holiday period from December 30 to January 1, state troopers investigated 336 crashes. Tragically, these incidents resulted in five fatalities and left 68 others injured. Alarmingly, alcohol was a contributing factor in 47 of these accidents.
In addition to the crash investigations, PSP troopers issued 3,833 speeding citations, underscoring the persistent problem of excessive speed on Pennsylvania’s roads. Seat belt violations were also prevalent, with 344 citations issued for failing to wear a seat belt and 56 citations for not securing children in safety seats.
In a particularly concerning statistic, the report revealed that 326 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These arrests highlight the ongoing challenge posed by impaired driving, despite repeated warnings and public awareness campaigns about the dangers it poses.
Table 1: New Year’s Weekend Crash Data
| Year | Total Crashes | Fatal Crashes | People Killed | People Injured | Alcohol-Related Crashes | Alcohol-Related Fatal Crashes |
| 2024 (3 days) | 336 | 5 | 5 | 68 | 47 | 1 |
| 2023 (3 days) | 481 | 0 | 0 | 108 | 51 | 0 |
| Year | DUI Arrests | Speeding Citations | Child Seat Citations | Seat Belt Citations | Other Citations |
| 2024 (3 days) | 326 | 3,833 | 56 | 344 | 8,125 |
| 2023 (3 days) | 356 | 4,126 | 67 | 378 | 7,874 |
A Snapshot of Road Safety in Pennsylvania
It’s important to note that these figures only cover incidents investigated by the PSP and do not include incidents responded to by other law enforcement agencies across the state.
The data provided by the PSP in this report underscores the importance of the agency’s ongoing mission to ensure the safety of Pennsylvania roads. It also serves as a stark reminder to Pennsylvanians about the need for responsible behavior behind the wheel, especially during high-volume travel times like the New Year’s holiday.
For more information on the Pennsylvania State Police and their initiatives, residents are encouraged to visit the PSP website.
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