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After increase in traffic deaths, Allentown officials urge caution on the roads: ‘This is about personal responsibility’

Lehigh County Coroner Daniel A. Buglio said Lehigh County has already seen 37 roadway deaths in 2025, which he estimated is about a 20% year-over-year increase.

Motorists drive by as officials from Allentown and the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office hold a joint news conference to address the recent rise in road fatalities in the area and efforts to improve traffic safety. With Labor Day weekend approaching — a time historically associated with increased traffic and crash risk — city and county leaders are urging the community to drive safely, follow traffic laws, and help prevent further loss of life. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Allentown Police Chief Charles Roca speaks as officials from Allentown and the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office hold a joint news conference to address the recent rise in road fatalities in the area and efforts to improve traffic safety. With Labor Day weekend approaching — a time historically associated with increased traffic and crash risk — city and county leaders are urging the community to drive safely, follow traffic laws, and help prevent further loss of life. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Pedestrians cross the road as officials from Allentown and the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office hold a joint news conference to address the recent rise in road fatalities in the area and efforts to improve traffic safety. With Labor Day weekend approaching — a time historically associated with increased traffic and crash risk — city and county leaders are urging the community to drive safely, follow traffic laws, and help prevent further loss of life. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

The intersection of Seventh and Tilghman streets is see as officials from Allentown and the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office hold a joint news conference to address the recent rise in road fatalities in the area and efforts to improve traffic safety. With Labor Day weekend approaching — a time historically associated with increased traffic and crash risk — city and county leaders are urging the community to drive safely, follow traffic laws, and help prevent further loss of life. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Allentown Mayor Matt Tuerk speaks as officials from Allentown and the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office hold a joint news conference to address the recent rise in road fatalities in the area and efforts to improve traffic safety. With Labor Day weekend approaching — a time historically associated with increased traffic and crash risk — city and county leaders are urging the community to drive safely, follow traffic laws, and help prevent further loss of life. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

Lehigh County Coroner Daniel Buglio speaks as officials from Allentown and the Lehigh County Coroner’s Office hold a joint news conference to address the recent rise in road fatalities in the area and efforts to improve traffic safety. With Labor Day weekend approaching — a time historically associated with increased traffic and crash risk — city and county leaders are urging the community to drive safely, follow traffic laws, and help prevent further loss of life. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

The intersection of Seventh and Tilghman streets is see as officials from Allentown and the Lehigh County coroner’s office hold a joint news conference to address the recent rise in road fatalities in the area and efforts to improve traffic safety. With Labor Day weekend approaching — a time historically associated with increased traffic and crash risk — city and county leaders are urging the community to drive safely, follow traffic laws, and help prevent further loss of life. (Amy Shortell/The Morning Call)

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