Have you ever been in a traffic accident and thought that the intersection or stretch of road just wasn’t that safe? You might be right. In 2019 there were over 125,000 traffic accidents reported to the Pennsylvania DOT with 1,059 fatalities and more than 76,000 injuries. But in some cases, certain roads and areas are responsible for more than a fair share of the troubles. What are the hot spots in the state?
Philadelphia and Harrisburg Top the Charts
It should not surprise anybody that these two urban areas steal all the headlines for car accidents; the state capital of Harrisburg and the largest city of Philadelphia. Both cities are positioned at the intersection of many major interstates including I76, I276, I83, I81, and I78. The hub of major commuting and trucking routes, it is not surprising to see fender benders, roll overs, and road closures in these areas on any given day. Philadelphia County logged more than 2400 road fatalities between 2004 and 2018.
Mechanicsburg and Interstate 81
Just south of Harrisburg, Mechanicsburg is situated in between Interstate 76 and Interstate 81, with high speed merges setting the tone for conflict on the road. More than 70,000 tractor trailers roll down this 20-mile stretch every day. The constant congestion resulted in 14 fatal wrecks in just two short years from 2015 to 2017. It wouldn’t be surprising if you got into a fender bender in these parts.
Lincoln Highway in Lancaster County
This small two-lane highway runs right through the best farmland in the state, and then runs up on small towns with shopping plazas lining the road. Stop lights are few and far between, allowing drivers to lose focus as they set the car to cruise. High speeds, a narrow road, and the intersection of rural America create a place where each of its 10 miles is responsible for a single fatality.
Did You Know?
The most common type of automobile accident reported in 2019 was where a vehicle hit a stationary object. This type of accident accounted for 30% of all crashes. In some instances, the stationary object is a guardrail that prevented the driver from receiving more serious injuries. In other instances, a tree or stone wall was left in place on a rural road where its presence contributed to the severity of the incident.
Bristol Pike
Alongside the Delaware River, tourists roll right off of Interstate 95 into the small town of Bristol. Those unfamiliar with the area struggle through cross streets, traffic lights, and congestion associated with the string of shops, suburban traffic, and the occasional ambulance responding to Lower Bucks Hospital.
Interstate 78 Near Glendon
For those traveling from New Jersey into Pennsylvania on Interstate 78, they might be surprised how the eight-lane highway takes a sharp left turn to avoid the bend in the river. Not long after that curve straightens out, you encounter a major intersection with Route 33, once again slowing traffic. For such a rural area, Northampton County accounted for 553 road deaths between 2004 and 2018.
Lehigh Valley Thruway near Bethlehem
When mall shopping, a major airport, university traffic, and extensive suburban sprawl come together, you have the Lehigh Valley Thruway. Its high accident rate is a result of a large number of vehicles crowding Route 22 every day while young drivers and tourists do their best to make the next exit. It even features a major interchange with I78 and I476 turning it into a high speed breeding ground for trouble.
Penn Lincoln Parkway in Pittsburgh
Yes, the western part of the state has its traffic challenges, too. Winding its way along the banks of the Monongahela River, Interstate 376 works its way into downtown Pittsburgh before crossing the river. Commuters, tourists, trucking, and suburban families all vie for space on its crowded lanes. In just a three and a half mile stretch, seven people died in under two years.
What do you do when you are injured on one of these dangerous roads?
If you are struggling to cover your medical and repair bills after an accident on a Pennsylvania road, it is time to get in touch with a personal injury attorney. You will sit down with your lawyer and tell them how the accident happened. They will conduct a physical survey of the location where it all went down and also check state records regarding other incidents in the area. If the state or local authority failed to properly maintain the road, provide clear signage, or even failed to enforce speed limits as a regular course of action, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries. When somebody’s negligence or failure to address a known hazard to the public results in repeated injuries and property damage, it is time to call them on it! Meanwhile, take your time when you get behind the wheel to avoid some of the more dangerous roads in Pennsylvania and protect the well-being of yourself and your family.
