Although it is not the most populous county in Pennsylvania, Allegheny County has the most motor vehicle collisions. In fact, 10 percent of all crashes in the state happen there. Philadelphia County has more people per square mile, but 700 fewer crashes. A new study examined Allegheny County’s crash data to determine exactly where these accidents are happening and why.
Using data from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation for the years 2014-2016, the study found that there were 787 intersections that accounted for 41 percent of all intersection-related collisions in the county. Eight of the top ten intersections were within the city of Pittsburgh, known for its bad commutes and traffic problems that occur throughout the day.
The Most Dangerous Intersections
The study focused on the top 50 intersections using the criteria of crash volume and injury severity. Here are some of the worst.
- The West End Bridge at the intersection of West Carson Street – in this location, several highways and streets merge together in a massive juncture that can create confusion for drivers. From 2014-2016, 32 injuries occurred here in 93 total crashes making it the most dangerous intersection in all of Allegheny County.
- The other side of West End Bridge intersects with the offramp for Highway 65 and was the site of 42 crashes that injured 16 people.
- Mosside Blvd. at Lincoln Highway in North Versailles in the Upper Mon Valley – this intersection had the most fatalities during the study period. Three people died in crashes here.
- The intersection of Saw Mill Run Blvd. and Colerain Street had the second highest total for injuries and fourth highest for crashes. A total of 36 crashes produced 20 injuries over three years.
A member of the bike advocacy group Bike Pittsburgh says the results of the study are a wake-up call for road engineers to reconsider safety measures in the roads they design. According to the representative, the Pittsburgh terrain is complicated and current street design encourages bad behavior. Streets designed for the safety of all users, including bicyclists and pedestrians, would reduce the possibility of car accidents by inherently minimizing risks.
Bike Pittsburgh conducted its own study of collision statistics data from 2010-2015 which showed that fatalities from pedestrian accidents are rising. Aggressive driving was a factor in 23 percent of pedestrian-driver crashes and 32 percent of bike-driver crashes.
Defensive Driving Tips
Intersections are a common site of car accidents both in and outside Allegheny County. Drivers should remember the following when entering an intersection:
- Wait when the light changes green – this minimizes the risk of being hit by a driver running a red light in the other direction.
- Keep your wheels straight when waiting to turn – this way if you are rear-ended your vehicle cannot be pushed into oncoming traffic.
- Check all lights – observe the traffic lights, crosswalk lights, and brake lights when passing through an intersection.
Allegheny County Car Accident Lawyers at AlpernSchubert P.C. Recover Compensation for Injured Accident Victims
A car accident can inflict devastating and life altering injuries. If you have been injured in a car accident caused by the negligence of another driver, talk to an experienced Allegheny car accident lawyer at AlpernSchubert P.C. about your options for recovering compensation. Contact us online or call 412-765-1888 or 800-243-6095 to schedule a free review of your case in our Pittsburgh offices. We serve clients in Pittsburgh, Washington, and New Castle and throughout Western Pennsylvania including Washington County, Allegheny County, and Lawrence County.