There are a number of reasons as to why accidents occur so frequently. While we often point our fingers to negligent drivers, there are numerous other factors, such as traffic delays and road construction, that also contribute to vehicle accidents. Whether you’re simply cruising through your local town or making your 45-minute commute to work, it’s important to understand where and why Pennsylvania is home to some of the most dangerous roads in the country.

Pennsylvania highways are uniquely dangerous because they serve as the primary link between several big east coast cities, such New York, Baltimore and Washington D.C. With Pennsylvania wedged in between all three, these highways are often heavily trafficked, under construction, or frequently used by large tractor trailers who are also making a lengthy state-to-state commute.

According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), the following five highways are considered the most dangerous roads in Pennsylvania:

The Top 5 Most Dangerous Pennsylvania Roads and Highways

1. Interstate 95

If you’ve ever driven on Interstate 95, we are sorry to say you’ve likely experienced the worst of east coast traffic. From being stuck in countless miles of never-ending construction to dodging accidents with some of America’s worst drivers, I-95 is one of the most dangerous highways in the entire country.

Though experts say the very worst of I-95 is down in southern Florida near Miami-Dade, the section of highway parallel to Philadelphia and the Delaware River, known as the Delaware Expressway, ranks equally as high throughout the state of Pennsylvania. In fact, the point where I-95 and Interstate 76 interchange near the Ben Franklin Bridge is considered a “congested nightmare” for daily commuters. According to data from FARS, from Levittown to Lincoln Financial Field, this short segment of roadway has seen more than 15 fatal crashes and 16 car accidents in 2016.

Most Philadelphians would recommend out-of-towners to find a different route if your GPS is pointing you in the direction of I-95. Several GPS maps, such as Waze, give drivers the most accurate traffic update with an option to find a route avoiding the use of highways and aggressive Eagles fans.

2. Interstate 83

Known to locals as the Susquehanna Expressway or the historic Veterans of Foreign Wars of United States Memorial Highway – but we won’t quiz you on that second name – Interstate 83 is a busy 85-mile stretch from the northern outskirts of Baltimore right to the center of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. While the quick stretch crosses mostly through the country haven of Pennsylvania, many travelers use this route as the quickest zip down to Maryland.

Unfortunately, though, Harrisburg has the second highest number of deadly road segments in all of Pennsylvania. While the population is roughly 30 times less than that of Philadelphia, the highways surrounding Harrisburg are still inherently dangerous and nearly 25 people were killed in motor vehicle accidents on highways, including I-83, in 2016.

Interestingly, the worst of I-83 is located within only a short distance of the Harrisburg Mall. If you’re headed toward Pennsylvania’s capital, keep in mind that I-83 becomes particularly dangerous in this area.

3. Interstate 80

Pennsylvania locals know all too well how eroded the streets and highways are. From maneuvering around massive potholes to avoiding crumbling roadways, Pennsylvania was recently ranked as the fourth worst state for having unsafe infrastructure. Shockingly enough, though, one of the most frequently used highways in this state is right here on our list of most dangerous roads in Pennsylvania.

Interstate 80 is a great travel route for cross-country road trips, but as most Pennsylvanians might warn, this highway may not be the safest for you and your family. While I-80 is certainly the longest route from east to west in Pennsylvania, this interstate is also in desperate need of some serious TLC.

Not only do many travelers use this route to get from New York City to the midwestern states, this is an equally as popular highway for tractor trailers as well. Along with extremely poor road conditions, I-80 is way too crowded. Through the vast mountain loops and winding valley turns, I-80 has caused many visibility issues for drivers, especially in harsh weather conditions or at night.

4. Interstate 79

From the brisk waterfront of Lake Erie down to the country swing of West Virginia, Interstate 79 offers a north to south stretch with a handful of twists and turns. While I-79 may be a resourceful route for family vacationers, it is exceptionally known for its wicked curves and dangerously aggressive drivers. In fact, for those who are unfamiliar with the interchange between I-79 and I-70, this portion of highway is where many drivers have faced the gruesome tale of being severely injured in an accident, if not worse.

Because of the quick turn and the tight U-shape hugging the interchange, unfortunately, a number of drivers have lost their lives to high speeds here. And while I-79 is the main freeway that connects Morgantown, Fairmont and Clarksburg down to Charleston, West Virginia, it may be best to find a more rural route to travel on.

5. Interstate 78

No one ever wants to fight a tractor trailer one-on-one. But on Interstate 78, this is a grim reality some drivers have too often been faced with. I-78 is swarm packed with thousands of semi-trucks every day. From the heart of the Big Apple out to the rural plains of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, I-78 may not be your best route to use if you’re afraid of driving near trucks.

We understand that fear. Accidents involving tractor trailers almost always end in tragedy. In fact, daily commuters who pass through the greater Allentown area on I-78 are practically numb to the amount of tragic accidents on this highway. In 2014, there were more 1,000 crashes in just the 32 miles of Lehigh Valley highway, according to statistics from the departments of transportation in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

While we can’t entirely blame the semi-trucks for hogging up the roadways, three of the most common reasons accidents with tractor trailers occur is due to sleep deprivation, improper driver training, or poor vehicle maintenance and malfunction.

Need an Injury Attorney? Call The Advocates

If you’ve been hurt in an accident due to the negligence of another driver, you’ll want the best legal team on your side. And we will fight for you. As Advocates, it’s our duty to be a voice for the people when they’ve been injured in an accident.

When you choose to work with the Advocates, you will have the best car accident lawyer to represent your personal injury claim. Don’t wait. We will help you get the compensation you deserve today! You deserve an Advocate!

Alaska is certainly where the wild things are. Imagine the population of Seattle spread out over an area equal to Washington, California, and Oregon combined. Vast wildernesses and a desolate tundra filled with wild animals of all sorts dominate the Alaskan landscape. In fact, there is one grizzly bear for every 24 people in Alaska. Man has made a foothold here but make no mistake, mother nature is still in charge, especially when it comes to the most dangerous roads in Alaska.

Despite the sparse population, Alaska ranks 4th in the nation with 1.57 traffic fatalities for every 100 million vehicle miles driven. Our car accident attorneys at The Advocates have compiled a list of the four most dangerous roads in Alaska every driver should prepare for when traveling through the land of the midnight sun.

Here are the 4 most dangerous roads in Alaska: 

Alaska’s First Road: Richardson Highway

Winding from Valdez north to Fairbanks is a 318-mile stretch of the infamous Richardson Highway. Being the very first roadway that pierces through the interior of Alaska, this scenic passage tackles terrain of all kinds. Originally created in 1898 as a 5-foot-wide pack trail to access the Klondike gold fields, it was eventually upgraded for automobiles in the 1920s. Shortly after leaving Valdez, the route turns north heading over Thompson Pass whose 500 inches of annual snowfall is the highest in the state. As the state’s first major road, it suffers from many of the same dangers that face drivers across Alaska.

Driving at night is what makes driving on Richardson Highway one of the most dangerous roads in Alaska. Seasonal darkness can reduce sunlight to less than 4-hours a day. The ubiquitous presence of black ice, extreme winter weather and long distances for medical services all combine to make this road especially treacherous in winter. Traveling by car in Alaska is not to be taken lightly and locals suggest always packing road flares, first aid kit, emergency food and water as well as winter gear if traveling outside the summer months.

Sterling Highway: A Gateway to the Kenai Peninsula

Known as the only highway on the western or central Kenai Peninsula, the Sterling Highway services most of the population in the Kenai Borough. This popular road is littered with prime fishing spots and recreational activities. Its southern terminus is actually 4.5-miles out in Kachemak Bay at the end of the Homer Spit sandbar.

With no alternate routes, this stretch of highway suffers from the same congestion in the summer months as many other roads in Alaska when throngs of sightseers, tourists and outdoors enthusiasts descend on the area. One particularly hazardous reason this roadway is on our top most dangerous roads in Alaska is season is because of wildfires. At times passage is reduced to small bands of vehicles led by a pilot car through the smoky terrain. Always check current road conditions before planning a trip in this area year around.

Seward Highway: Long Road to Anchorage

Stretching the 125 miles between the port city of Seward and Anchorage is the Seward Highway. This route leaves Anchorage and winds down the Turnagain Arm coastline before turning west onto the famed Kenai Peninsula. This route is packed with breathtaking scenery as well as frequent wildlife sightings, which includes eagles, Dall sheep, moose and even beluga whales. Unfortunately, the stunning vistas are part of the problem.

In the summer months this highway is stuffed with sightseers, tourists and fishermen eager to get to their destination. As a two-lane highway winding through challenging terrain, “No Passing” areas are a common threat for drivers. Speeding, distracted drivers and moose wandering also contribute to the many hazards on Seward Highway. These factors combined create dangerous driving conditions that result in car accidents far too frequently.

Dalton Highway: A Dangerous Stairway to the Arctic

Climbing from Fairbanks all the up to the Arctic Circle is one of our the most dangerous roads in Alaska: Dalton Highway, also known as Route 11. These 415 miles are so desolate that it has been

dubbed the loneliest road in America. The northern portion of Route 11 was even featured in two seasons of Ice Truckers. Once you drive past the northernmost truck stop in the world in Coldfoot, begins the 240-mile span of the longest stretch of highway in North America with no services of any kind. Originally created for construction of the Alaskan Pipeline, the commercial traffic of large trucks barreling through legally possess the absolute right of way which they enforce with impunity.

The many memorials that line the road stand as grim reminders of the real dangers faced when traveling this far north. The infamous crater-like potholes appear almost benign compared to steep terrain with grades up to 16% through slick road conditions. Grizzlies and moose can be found suddenly wandering on the road which often has meager visibility. Winter temperatures down to 80 below and a treacherous mix of brutal weather, high winds and polar conditions make driving this road outside of July and August a risky option at best. The lack of cell phone service leaves only daily helicopter patrols searching for wrecks and travelers in distress as your only salvation in case of a car accident.

Contact The Advocates

If your next trip involves trekking through Alaska by vehicle, take the time to prepare carefully and ensure you are ready for anything the road may throw at you. If you or a loved is injured in an accident, through to no fault of your own, having the right legal representation can make all the difference. A seasoned professional who specializes in personal injury is the surest way to guarantee you will receive the maximum compensation for your injuries.

The Advocates have a proven record of fighting for their clients and will fight for you and your loved ones every step of the way through filing your claim. Choosing the right attorney who is a specialist in car accidents alleviates you from the burden of having to handle claims adjusters, insurance agents and hospital bills while you are trying to recover. Don’t wait. Chat with a car accident lawyer on our Live Chat. You deserve an Advocate!

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