Philadelphia has the highest rate of deadly crashes among major U.S. cities, according to an analysis of federal traffic data released by City Controller Christy Brady. On Thursday, Brady released a report examining the city’s latest highway safety statistics as part of the office’s latest Mu nicipal Money Matters report. Using data from National Highway Traffic Safety Administration annual report, Brady’s analysis found that Philadelphia recorded 9.04 fatalities per 100,000 residents in 2024, the latest available data. According to officials, that rate increased from 8.64 fatalities per 100,000 residents the year before. Brady said Philadelphia’s rate outpaced many other U.S. cities with populations of 150,000 or greater, including: CityTraffic Fatality Rate per 100,000Philadelphia9.04Chicago7.15Washington DC4.73Boston3.64New York City2.86 However, the city controller said that while Philadelphia leads other major cities, its traffic fatality rate has declined since 2020, when it exceeded 10 fatalities per 100,000 residents. “Philadelphia is making meaningful progress, but these statistics underscore the need to continue advancing roadway safety efforts,” said Brady. Brady highlighted the efforts behind the Vision Zero Task Force, which was created in 2016 to improve public safety on city streets. The task force is responsible for tracking safety data, publishing progress reports, advancing safety legislation and expanding education to reach its goal of eliminating traffic fatalities. In 2024, NBC10 reported that Philadelphia had a record number of deadly pedestrian hit-and-run crashes in 2023. According to Philadelphia Police Department data, the city recorded 39 fatal hit-and-run crashes in 2023, surpassing the previous record of 34 set in 2022. At the time, the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia said hit-and-run incidents had reached an “all-time high.” Officials said the Vision Zero Task Force has implemented several changes over the past nine years, including upgrading 130,000 streetlights, installing 1,200 speed cushions, adding 209 Indego bike stations and expanding the Safe Routes Philly program to 30 schools. In addition, Philadelphia’s fiscal year 2027 budget includes $30 million in capital funding over the next six years to support the Vision Zero program. “The city is making a strategic investment in public safety on our roads. Every public dollar committed will be held to performance measures to ensure Philadelphia continues to trend downward on traffic fatalities.”  NBC10 reached out to the Mayor’s Office for comment on the latest data and we are waiting for a response. ...read more read less