Certain roads are just notorious for being deadly. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to avoid commuting on them. Pennsylvania has several dangerous highways and most of them are located in highly populated and urban areas like Philadelphia. To be a safe driver, it’s important to know which highways are dangerous and why, so you can take proper precautions and drive with extra care.
We spoke with a local, experienced car accident attorney in Philadelphia to learn more about which highways are dangerous and what you can do to keep yourself as safe as possible.
What Makes Some Roads More Dangerous Than Others
It doesn’t help that Pennsylvania ranks #10 for the worst road conditions in the United States. Sadly, the majority of them are in poor condition with unrepaired potholes, uneven surfaces and erosion that wreak havoc on tires. The mountainous terrain also contributes to windy roads and blind curves which can be especially dangerous at night or during inclement weather.
In fact, there are several factors that make some roads more hazardous than others. Not surprisingly, the most dangerous stretches in Pennsylvania have a lot in common when it comes to traffic, road conditions, construction zones, seatbelt use, aggressive drivers and more.
According to NHTSA’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System, which calculates the number of accidents and fatalities per year, more than quarter of the most dangerous roadways are located in Philadelphia, which has a population more than 5x the next ranking city. It puts the 1-95/1-76 interchange near the top of the deadliest roads in the United States with most fatalities occurring during the winter/snow season.
Other dangerous highways include:
- I-83
- I-81
- I-80
- I- 79/70 interchange
- I-78
How to Drive With Extra Care on These Roads
The simple awareness of these roads should cause drivers to take extra precaution and yet, these areas remain on the most dangerous lists. There are obvious situations to avoid like driving at night or during major storms but there will be cases when that isn’t an option. While you can’t control other drivers there are steps you can take to be a defensive driver and reduce the chances of serious accidents.
- Stay focused– limit distractions
- Don’t drive if you’re tired or under any kind of influence
- Adjust your speed to the road/weather conditions
- Keep several car lengths between you and the car in front of you
- Limit lane changes
- Monitor the traffic ahead of you not just the vehicle you’re behind
- Don’t overreact or overcorrect in an emergency
Accidents Will Happen, Have a Trusted Accident Attorney on Your Side
Even if you take every precaution possible, you can’t count on other drivers. If you’re involved in an accident, don’t worry about who’s at fault, and contact an experienced accident attorney before you leave the scene of the crime. The sooner you start working with an attorney, the greater success they’ll have at defending your case.
