The Deadliest Highway Stretches in Pennsylvania

May 4, 2023 | Car Accidents

The Deadliest Highway Stretches in Pennsylvania

Every year, over 1,000 people lose their lives on the roads of Pennsylvania. A surprising number of these fatal crashes occurred on the same highways in the state. It’s important to use extra caution when you travel on these roads to avoid a dangerous collision.

So where are these dangerous highway stretches in Pennsylvania? Read on to discover which roads tend to be most prone to accidents and fatalities and what makes them so dangerous.

I-78

Interstate 78 is known for having one of the highest volumes of semi-trucks in the country. These vehicles can weigh up to twenty times what a normal car does, and crashes with them can be incredibly dangerous. They may have a harder time slowing down in time to prevent a collision, and damage from these truck crashes tends to be more extreme than normal accidents.

I-78 suffers a staggering number of crashes, especially in Lehigh Valley. Construction sites also tend to contribute to the danger of this road, making it among the most dangerous highways in Pennsylvania.

I-83

Construction also plays a role in making Interstate 83 one of Pennsylvania’s more dangerous highways. In construction zones, drivers have to deal with start-and-stop traffic, as well as debris in the road. The presence of road workers and quick detours can increase the risk of crashes, too.

I-83 is in a near-constant state of construction, especially around the midstate. The traffic around Harrisburg and York only makes matters worse. I-83 is the most dangerous around the Harrisburg Mall.

I-80

Ironically, much of what makes I-80 so dangerous could be solved by construction. This interstate is one of the most neglected highways in the country, full of potholes and crumbling roadways. Not only can these cause damage to vehicles, but avoiding these obstacles may cause drivers to swerve into the paths of other cars around them, causing accidents.

The weather in the area only makes matters worse for travelers. The area is subject to severe winters, and roads may become icy during cold weather. There may also be severe fog, and the mountain terrain can compromise visibility.

I-81

Interstate 81 is one of the most heavily-traveled highways in Pennsylvania. In fact, 70,000 drivers travel down this roadway every day in Cumberland County alone. A huge number of these vehicles are semi trucks, which are particularly prone to causing accidents.

Just last year, a huge pileup on I-81 involving eighty vehicles resulted in six deaths. Another two dozen people or more were injured in the crash, which was caused by a snow squall. 

I-95

Interstate 95 is the longest highway on the East Coast and also the single most dangerous interstate in the country. In 2019, the highway saw 284 deaths, and in 2020, that number soared to almost 400 fatalities. The section of highway between Levittown and Lincoln Financial Field in Pennsylvania suffered 15 fatal accidents in 2016 alone.

Like I-81, much of the danger on I-95 stems from the immense amount of traffic the road sees. Stop-and-go traffic, dangerous lane changes, and road rage can all increase the chances of a crash.

Get Compensation for Your Injuries

Driving always poses a risk, but traveling down these highways in Pennsylvania can be especially dangerous. From construction and poor road conditions to bad weather and lots of traffic, these highways are prone to the highest number of crashes. If you have to travel down these interstates, use extra caution, and leave extra space between you and the cars around you.

If you’ve been hurt in an accident on one of these roads, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Our attorneys will stand up to the insurance companies and ensure you get the money you deserve. Schedule a free consultation with us today to discuss the details of your case.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident, please contact Marzzacco Niven & Associates at the nearest location to schedule a free consultation today:

Harrisburg Law Office
945 East Park Drive, Suite 103 Harrisburg, PA 17111
(717) 231-1640

York Law Office
2550 Kingston Road, Suite 210A York, PA 17401
(717) 995-8998

Wyomissing Law Office
833 N. Park Road, Suite 103, Room A Wyomissing, PA 19610
(717) 388-2325

Chambersburg Law Office
79 St. Paul Drive, Suite 1 Chambersburg, PA 17201
(717) 388-2378

Carlisle Law Office
354 Alexander Springs Road Carlisle, PA 17015
(717) 995-8732

Carbondale Law Office
30 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 101 Carbondale, PA 18407
(717) 995-8810

Lancaster Law Office
2173 Embassy Drive, Ste 123, Lancaster Pa 17603
(717) 616-2954

Lebanon Law Office
937 Willow Street, Suite D Lebanon, PA 17042-1140
(717) 995-8963