State Police Report Rise in Crashes, DUI Arrests Over Easter Weekend

Four deaths occurred in Northeastern Pennsylvania, including two first responders

Apr. 9, 2026 at 2:37pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car windshield against a pitch-black background, capturing the stark, gritty aftermath of a tragic accident.The aftermath of a fatal crash during the Easter holiday weekend underscores the ongoing challenges of impaired driving and road safety in Pennsylvania.Harrisburg Today

Pennsylvania State Police say crashes and DUI arrests saw a slight increase over the Easter holiday weekend compared to last year, as troopers ramped up enforcement efforts across the state. Six crashes were fatal, including four in Northeastern Pennsylvania, and two first responders were killed in a head-on collision.

Why it matters

The rise in crashes and DUI arrests over the holiday weekend highlights ongoing concerns about impaired driving and road safety in Pennsylvania. The state has been working to improve enforcement and invest in the state police to address these issues.

The details

From April 3 through April 5, troopers investigated 532 crashes statewide, up slightly from 527 during the same three-day period in 2025. Six of those crashes were fatal, compared to four fatal crashes the year before, though the number of people killed remained the same at six. Four of the fatal crashes were in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Police said impaired driving played a role in 42 crashes this year, unchanged from 2025. However, DUI-related fatal crashes increased, with two reported this year compared to none last year. In addition to crash investigations, troopers made 286 DUI arrests during the holiday period—four more than the 282 arrests recorded in 2025.

  • From April 3 through April 5, 2026
  • During the 2025 Easter holiday weekend

The players

Pennsylvania State Police

The state law enforcement agency responsible for investigating crashes and enforcing traffic laws across Pennsylvania.

Jeffory L. Buck

Fire Chief of the Walnuttown Fire and Rescue Company, who was killed in a head-on collision while riding in a utility vehicle.

Robert R. Shick Jr.

Assistant Fire Chief of the Walnuttown Fire and Rescue Company, who was also killed in the head-on collision with Chief Buck.

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What’s next

Governor Josh Shapiro's proposed 2026-27 budget includes funding to support additional cadet classes for the state police, building on similar investments in the current state budget.

The takeaway

The tragic deaths of two first responders in a head-on collision highlight the urgent need to address impaired driving and improve road safety across Pennsylvania. While enforcement efforts have increased, more work is needed to prevent future tragedies and protect all drivers and passengers on the state's roads.