The Schuylkill Expressway is a major highway in southeastern Pennsylvania. Stretching 42 miles, the highway connects the city of Philadelphia to major suburbs and industries to the northwest. However, the Schuylkill Expressway has a reputation for being one of the most dangerous highways in the country. Every year, thousands of accidents occur, resulting in serious injuries and death. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the history of the Schuylkill Expressway, and understand why the highway has become notorious for accidents.<\/p>\n

The Design of the Schuylkill Expressway<\/p>\n

One of the primary reasons for the high number of accidents on the Schuylkill Expressway is the design of the highway. The Schuylkill Expressway was built in the 1940s, and at the time, it was designed as a modern, high-speed roadway. However, the design did not take into account the massive increase in traffic that would occur over the following decades. The highway is narrow, has numerous sharp curves and ramps, and lacks sufficient shoulder space. These factors make it difficult for drivers to react to sudden changes in traffic, leading to accidents.<\/p>\n

Heavy Traffic<\/p>\n

Another factor contributing to the high number of accidents on the Schuylkill Expressway is the heavy traffic. On average, over 150,000 vehicles travel on the highway each day. During peak travel times, the number of vehicles on the highway can be much higher, resulting in congestion and delays. Heavy traffic increases the likelihood of accidents occurring, especially during inclement weather.<\/p>\n

Poor Maintenance<\/p>\n

The Schuylkill Expressway also suffers from poor maintenance. The highway is heavily trafficked, and the constant use causes wear and tear on the roadway. The harsh Pennsylvania winters also contribute to the deterioration of the highway. Signs, guardrails, and other safety features are often damaged or missing, making it difficult for drivers to navigate the roadway. Poor maintenance also leads to potholes and uneven pavement, which can cause accidents and injuries.<\/p>\n

Distracted and Impaired Driving<\/p>\n

Distracted and impaired driving are also major factors contributing to the high number of accidents on the Schuylkill Expressway. Drivers who are distracted by their phones, the radio, or other factors are more likely to cause accidents. Additionally, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a major problem on the highway. In 2017, 80,000 drivers were arrested for DUI in Pennsylvania, many of whom were on the Schuylkill Expressway.<\/p>\n

Steps to Improve Safety<\/p>\n

While the Schuylkill Expressway has a reputation for being dangerous, steps can be taken to improve safety on the highway. These steps include improving maintenance and infrastructure, adding additional safety features such as lighting and collision avoidance systems, and increasing enforcement of traffic laws. Additionally, drivers can take steps to improve safety by obeying traffic laws, paying attention to the road, and never driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.<\/p>\n