March 14, 2022
What Are the Most Dangerous Intersections and Roads in Philadelphia?
The greater Philadelphia area is a great place to live and work. There are so many nice neighborhoods in the city and in the suburbs. Add that to all the attractions and fun things to do, and you have a great region in which to live. But if you have ever driven around the Philadelphia region, one major complaint has always been the traffic. The vast amount of traffic is a testament to what a great place the region is to live in and visit. But with increased traffic, it inevitably comes with an increase in car accidents.
On average, over 100 people per year die on Philadelphia roads and intersections in traffic related accidents, including pedestrian and bicycle accidents. In fact, Philadelphia roads are more dangerous than peer cities with traffic deaths per capita seven percent to 27 percent higher. Native residents of the city usually know the areas where there are the most accidents. This discussion highlights some of the roads and intersections of Philadelphia with the most accidents. It is hoped that you can avoid these areas if possible.
Dangerous Philadelphia Intersections
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) tracks the number of reported accidents in various intersections and roads throughout the state, including the city of Philadelphia and its surrounding areas. These intersections are dangerous for both car and truck accidents, but also for pedestrian accidents and people on bicycles. Many of the collisions at these intersections are caused by the huge volume of traffic that goes through them daily. With a large number of vehicles, you are bound to have many drivers who are driving aggressively because of frustration. You will also see many motorists who are distracted and are not paying attention to the road ahead of them, traffic signals, and pedestrians and bicycle riders.
Here are 11 of the most dangerous intersections in Philadelphia that, if possible, should be avoided:
- Fifth Street & Olney Avenue
- Broad Street & Race Street
- Broad Street & Girard Avenue
- Cottman Avenue & Roosevelt Boulevard
- Broad Street & Olney Avenue
- Broad Street & Lehigh Avenue
- Market Street & 40th Street
- Market Street & 11th Street
- Chelten Avenue & Wayne Avenue
- Market Street & 12th Street
- Grays Avenue & S. 49th Street
Some of these intersections are in the downtown business district of Philadelphia, known as Center City. However, many intersections outside of the Center City area are quite dangerous. In 2015, PennDOT labeled 150 intersections in the Philadelphia region as dangerous. All told, the 150 intersections produced 772 accidents that involved 2,676 people. PennDOT says those 150 intersections averaged over five car and truck accidents per day.
Dangerous Philadelphia Roads
Intersections are not the only dangerous traffic areas in the region. There are many highways and roads that have a bad reputation. The following are the most dangerous roads in Philadelphia, as per the traffic accident statistics compiled by the state:
Roosevelt Boulevard. This road is more commonly called “the Boulevard” among residents and locals. It is 15 miles long and runs through Northeast Philadelphia. Over time, it has increased to 12 lanes of traffic in some areas and is considered one of the most dangerous roads in all of Pennsylvania. Roosevelt Boulevard has an average of 700 accidents and 10 deaths each year. Both motorists and pedestrians were among the dead. These numbers dominate every other route in the state and make it the most dangerous for motorists and pedestrians.
Schuylkill and Delaware Expressways. Given the position of both routes, the amount of traffic that uses them is enormous. The Schuylkill Expressway makes it possible for motorists to drive from Philadelphia to King of Prussia and to connect to the Pennsylvania Turnpike. The route also is part of the I-76 interstate and runs about 25 miles with between two and four lanes of traffic going in either direction. The Delaware Expressway runs through Northeast Philadelphia and is part of the I-95 interstate system. The route measures more than 27 miles with many traffic jams on the road. As one of the faster routes in the area, it has an average of more than five deaths per year.
Broad Street and Bustleton Avenue. Broad Street runs 13 miles from the Cheltenham Avenue intersection at the city’s border with Cheltenham Township all the way through the city to the Navy Yard in South Philadelphia. Broad Street averages about four deaths per year from traffic accidents. Bustleton Avenue runs through Northeast Philadelphia until ending near Feasterville-Trevose in Bucks County. The busy stretch of roadway averages more than three traffic fatalities every year.
How to Protect Yourself When Driving around Philadelphia?
Just like with driving anywhere, you can do things that will better protect yourself when driving in and around these dangerous intersections and roadways. The most important thing to do is to not be distracted while driving. This is one of the most major causes of accidents. If you are not paying attention to what is going on in front of you, you will eventually get into an accident. Another thing to focus on is your speed when you drive. Almost all accidents are caused by either one party or the other driving too fast. If you drive at a moderate speed at all times, you will be in much more control of your vehicle and will be able to react to any sudden emergencies that might happen.
Montgomery County Car Accident Lawyers at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C., Help Clients Seriously Injured in Accidents in Philadelphia
If you drive enough in and around Philadelphia, you are bound to get into an accident. Sometimes these collisions can be quite violent and significant, causing serious personal injuries to the drivers and passengers alike. If you are involved in an accident and suffered from serious injuries anywhere in the greater Philadelphia region, reach out to the experienced Montgomery County car accident lawyers at Anthony C. Gagliano III, P.C. We will use our years of experience in fighting for your rights to be fully and fairly compensated for your injuries. Call us at 267-861-7100 or visit our website to set up a free consultation. Located in Philadelphia and King of Prussia, we serve clients in Philadelphia, Montgomery County, Delaware County, Bucks County, Chester County, and Norristown.