In 2024, Pittsburgh saw traffic crashes, fatalities and serious injuries decline for the fourth consecutive year, which city officials called “no accident.”
“It’s because we’ve made safety a priority, especially for our most vulnerable neighbors,” Mayor Ed Gainey said in a news release.
The milestone is attributed to the city’s participation in Vision Zero, a nationwide community network that aims to eliminate traffic fatalities and severe injuries.
Total crashes on Pittsburgh roadways decreased by 17% compared to 2023, with 1,534 crashes recorded in 2024, according to the Pennsylvania Crash Information Tool. They’ve dropped by more than 700 incidents since 2021, while crashes increased statewide by 0.35% during the same four-year period.
Accidents with fatal or serious injuries decreased on city-owned streets by 15% in 2024.
Crashes involving vulnerable road users, like pedestrians and bicyclists, fell by 20%. However, this population continues to be disproportionately impacted. Of the 18 non-interstate fatal crashes in 2024, seven involved pedestrians and two involved bicyclists.
A majority of vulnerable road user deaths over the past four years involved heavier vehicles like SUVs, trucks and vans.
“We’re not done,” Gainey said. “High-severity crashes are still hitting the same streets and the same communities. That’s why we’re doubling down — to make sure every Pittsburgher, in every neighborhood, can walk, bike, or drive without fear.”
More than 50 safety and accessibility projects are planned in Pittsburgh this year. A majority target the High Injury Network, which accounts for just 10% of roadways but made up 70% of fatal crashes and 60% of serious injuries in 2023 and 2024.
The plans include repairing two miles of missing or inadequate sidewalks, installing over 35,000 modernized LED streetlights, improving more than 20 intersections and replacing four road signals. A full list of projects can be found here.
Half of the safety projects are located in communities facing persistent poverty and over 60% are within a quarter mile of parks, schools or business districts.
“This is about equity, justice, and saving lives,” Gainey said.
Sources: City of Pittsburgh Department of Mobility & Infrastructure
