THE CITY OF PITTSBURGH CELEBRATES FOUR YEARS OF SAFER STREETS—AND IT'S JUST THE BEGINNING
Vision Zero Progress Continues with Fewer Crashes, Fatalities, and Serious Injuries in 2024
Pittsburgh, PA –The City of Pittsburgh is proud to announce a fourth consecutive year of declining traffic crashes, fatalities, and serious injuries – a major milestone in its Vision Zero to commitment to safer streets for all.
According to the latest data from the Pennsylvania Crash Information Tool, total crashes on Pittsburgh roadways—including both City and State-owned streets, excluding interstates— decreased by 17% compared to 2023, with 1,534 crashes recorded in 2024. City-owned streets alone have seen over 700 fewer crashes than in 2021. Meanwhile, crashes increased slightly statewide by 0.35%, underscoring Pittsburgh’s standout progress.
Fatal & Serious Injury Trend:
In 2024, the city recorded 21 fatal crashes across its interstate, state, and city-owned roads. Of these, 8 occurred on city streets, 10 on state routes, which comprise just 12% of the city's road network, and 3 on interstate highways. 4 of the 18 non-interstate fatalities in 2024 occurred in communities with persistent poverty
Fatal crashes on city streets have steadily declined over the past three years, a trend that also extends to serious injury crashes. Notably, fatal and serious injury crashes combined on local (city-owned) streets decreased by 15% in 2024.
Crashes involving vulnerable road users (VRU) —pedestrians and bicyclists— fell by 20%, reflecting the City’s ongoing investment in data-driven safety measures and infrastructure improvements.
However, VRUs continue to be disproportionately impacted. Of the 18 non-interstate fatal crashes in 2024, 7 involved pedestrians and 2 involved bicyclists. Notably, 7 of these 9 VRU fatalities involved SUVs, trucks, or vans. Over the past four years, 63% of VRU deaths involved heavier vehicles.
The severity of VRU crashes also increased: serious injuries or fatalities rose 4% for pedestrians and 9% for bicyclists compared to 2023. In 2024, one in five pedestrian crashes and one in four bicyclist crashes resulted in serious injury or death.
Figure 1: Traffic Crash Trends . Comparison of total crashes on non-interstate roads (2021-2024)
Impaired & Distracted Driving Related Crash Trend:
High-severity crashes involving impaired or distracted driving have steadily declined over the past four years. In 2024, Pittsburgh saw a 23% decrease in fatal and serious injury crashes linked to these behaviors. Impaired driving accounted for four fatal crashes—consistent with recent years. Still, impaired or distracted driving contributes to one in five crashes citywide.
Figure 2: Number of crashes where impaired driving is a factor (2021-2024)
Persistent Risk in the High Injury Network:
Despite progress, the City’s High Injury Network—just 10% of roadways—continues to bear a disproportionate burden, accounting for 70% of fatal crashes and 60% of serious injuries in 2023 and 2024. These corridors remain a focus for targeted safety investments.
Looking Ahead: Safety & Accessibility in 2025:
Pittsburgh remains committed to Vision Zero through strategic investments in street design, safety infrastructure, and community engagement. In 2024, the Gainey administration increased the traffic calming budget by 136%, to $1.075 million.
More than 50 safety and accessibility projects are planned this year, led by the Department of Mobility and Infrastructure and funded through City, State, and Federal sources. Nearly 60% target the High Injury Network, and half are in communities facing persistent poverty. Over 60% of projects are within a quarter mile of parks, schools, or business districts.
Highlights include:
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20+ intersection upgrades for vulnerable users
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4 high-crash corridor safety projects
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Continued progress on the Bus Rapid Transit corridor, North Avenue improvements, the West End Trolley Trail, and Sylvan Avenue
“In Pittsburgh, we believe every life matters — no one should die just trying to get where they need to go. For the fourth year in a row, crashes, injuries, and fatalities are down. That’s no accident — it’s because we’ve made safety a priority, especially for our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Mayor Ed Gainey. “But we’re not done. 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. This is about equity, justice, and saving lives.”
2025 Project Overview Map:
To learn more on these projects and stay updated, please visit, City’s Vision Zero Engage Page: https://engage.pittsburghpa.gov/vision-zero
Prepared by the Department of Mobility & Infrastructure (DOMI). For questions or media inquires please contact: Jacob Williams Jacob.Williams@pitsburghpa.gov
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