Allentown residents and visitors should be sure to drive, walk and bike safely through the city while enjoying temperate, sunny weather this Labor day weekend, officials concerned about an increasing number of roadway death across the region urged Wednesday.
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.
“My office sees firsthand the devastating consequences of roadway crashes,” Buglio said. “Behind every crash statistic is a family grieving the loss of a loved one and a community that is shattered. Since January of this year, my office has investigated 37 deaths resulting from motor vehicle crashes that involve motorcycles, scooters and bicycles.”
The upcoming long weekend, coupled with the popular Allentown Fair and back-to-school season are all reasons for people to travel around the city with increased caution, as more pedestrians and drivers will be on the streets, officials said.
Buglio, Mayor Matt Tuerk and police Chief Charles Roca spoke at a podium on Seventh Street facing the Tilghman Street intersection, which Tuerk called the “epicenter” of crashes in the city. According to the city’s crash “dashboard,” which collects and displays data through 2024 on roadway injuries and deaths, it is one of the most dangerous intersections in the city for drivers, bikers and pedestrians.
Tuerk reiterated the city’s commitment to Vision Zero, a comprehensive citywide plan to achieve zero roadway deaths and serious injuries by 2030.
The city is installing speed bumps, repainting crosswalks and making other infrastructure improvements designed to slow traffic and lead to safer driving.
But officials Wednesday also called on the general public to use caution while traveling — including wearing seatbelts and helmets, driving at or under the speed limit and using designated crosswalks to cross the street.
“Ladies and gentlemen, this is about personal responsibility,” Roca said. “The Allentown Police Department will be present, we will take enforcement action and you will be held accountable, but it does start with individuals driving safe, following the rules, and doing their part to help our community.”
Allentown residents and visitors can expect “increased police presence” across the city this holiday weekend to monitor the roads, including additional DUI enforcement, Roca said.
Buglio said he is particularly concerned about the rise in motorcycle and e-bike crashes. There have been eight fatal cycling accidents in the county this year, compared with 12 in all of 2024 and seven in 2023. Motorcyclists should use caution navigating traffic and always wear a helmet, Buglio said.
Reporter Lindsay Weber can be reached at Liweber@mcall.com.
