The Most Dangerous Intersections In Philadelphia

Philadelphia is home to several dangerous intersections. Understanding these hazardous spots can help residents and visitors stay vigilant and safe. 

The Boulevard

The Boulevard, particularly at Red Lion Road and Grant Avenue, has long been infamous for its danger. Named one of the worst intersections in the country by State Farm Insurance in 2001, the Boulevard continues to be a significant threat to pedestrian safety. 

Broad Street and Olney

One of the most notorious intersections in Philadelphia is Olney and Broad Street. A study by Azavea and PlanPhilly revealed that this intersection had the highest number of pedestrian injuries from 2008 to 2013. Twenty people were injured, with 15 incidents occurring within the intersection and the remaining five mid-block.

Broad Street is a major thoroughfare with heavy vehicle and foot traffic, partly due to the Broad Street Line subway station. The intersection’s wide lanes, numerous conflict points, and lack of pedestrian signal priority create a hazardous environment. 

Fifth Street and Olney

Where Olney crosses Fifth Street there were 25 crashes recorded between 2008 and 2013. The majority of these incidents happened within the intersection itself. The combination of high traffic volume and inadequate pedestrian safety measures makes this location particularly dangerous.

Cottman and Bustleton

Cottman and Bustleton, an intersection near Roosevelt Mall, was Philadelphia’s deadliest in 2013. It saw 15 pedestrian collisions, three of which were fatal. This area is referred to as a “stroad,” a hybrid of a street and a road, which is inherently unsafe as it fails to function effectively as either. To enhance safety, city planners need to decide whether this intersection should prioritize vehicle flow or pedestrian access and redesign it accordingly.

11th and Market Streets

Market Street, especially the intersections at 8th, 9th, 10th, 11th, and 12th Streets, ranks among the city’s top 30 crash locations. The mix of residential and retail spaces along Market Street, combined with heavy pedestrian traffic, heightens the risk of accidents. 

Factors Contributing to Dangerous Intersections

Several common factors contribute to the high accident rates at these intersections:

Pedestrian and Cyclist Safety

• Lack of pedestrian crosswalks or poorly marked crosswalks, making it difficult for pedestrians to cross safely
• Insufficient pedestrian crossing time at signals, leaving pedestrians stranded in intersections
• Absence of bike lanes or inadequate protection for cyclists, increasing the risk of collisions with vehicles

Poor Visibility

• Obstructions such as trees, buildings, or parked cars that block the view of drivers and pedestrians
• Insufficient lighting, particularly during night hours, making it difficult to see other vehicles, pedestrians, and road signs
• Lack of or poorly maintained road signs and signals, leading to confusion and missed signals

High Traffic Volume

• Intersections in areas with a high volume of vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians, leading to congestion and increased potential for collisions
• Congested areas with frequent stop-and-go traffic, which can lead to rear-end collisions and other accidents

Complex Intersection Design

• Intersections with multiple lanes and turning options, making navigation more challenging for drivers
• Complicated signal phasing and timing that can confuse drivers and lead to unintentional violations
• Lack of dedicated turn lanes, causing drivers to make risky maneuvers

Speeding

• Drivers exceeding speed limits, reducing their ability to react to sudden changes in the intersection
• Inadequate enforcement of speed regulations, allowing habitual speeding in dangerous areas

Driver Behavior

• Distracted driving, such as using mobile devices, eating, or other activities that take attention away from the road
• Aggressive driving behaviors, including running red lights or stop signs and tailgating
• Impaired driving due to alcohol or drugs, significantly reducing reaction times and decision-making abilities

Weather Conditions

• Poor weather conditions such as rain, snow, or fog reducing visibility and road traction, leading to an increased risk of accidents
• Icy or wet roads increasing stopping distances and making it harder to control vehicles

Infrastructure and Maintenance Issues

• Potholes, uneven surfaces, or poorly maintained roads that can cause drivers to lose control or damage their vehicles
• Malfunctioning traffic signals or signs, leading to confusion and potential collisions

Urban Planning and Development

Rapid urban development without corresponding updates to traffic infrastructure, leading to outdated and inadequate intersections

Mixed-use areas where commercial, residential, and industrial traffic converge, increasing the complexity and potential for accidents.

Measures to Improve Safety

To reduce accidents at these intersections, several measures can be implemented:

Traffic-Calming Interventions

Narrowing lanes, adding speed bumps, and other measures can slow down traffic and reduce accidents.

Pedestrian Safety Enhancements

Installing pedestrian signals, mid-block islands, and better-marked crosswalks can help protect pedestrians.

Redesigning Intersections

Converting dangerous “stroads” into either functional streets or roads can improve safety.

Who is At Fault in an Intersection Accident in Philadelphia?

Determining fault in an intersection accident in Philadelphia involves assessing various factors unique to the collision and applying state laws. Key considerations include:

• Traffic Signals and Signs: Drivers are expected to obey all traffic signals and signs. A driver who runs a red light or ignores a stop sign is typically at fault.
• Right-of-Way Rules: Pennsylvania law dictates specific right-of-way rules. For instance, drivers must yield to vehicles already in the intersection and to pedestrians in crosswalks.
• Driver Behavior: Distracted, impaired, or aggressive driving can contribute to fault. Actions such as speeding, not using turn signals, or driving recklessly can indicate fault.
• Comparative Negligence: Pennsylvania follows a comparative negligence system. This means fault can be shared between parties. If a driver is found to be more than 50% at fault, they cannot recover damages from the other party.

Insurance companies conduct their own investigations and determine fault based on the evidence collected.

No-Fault Insurance

Pennsylvania’s no-fault car insurance system requires drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage, which ensures that their own insurance company covers medical expenses and lost wages after an accident, regardless of who is at fault. This system aims to streamline the claims process and provide prompt payment for injuries. However, it does not cover property damage, which is handled by the at-fault driver’s liability insurance.

In cases of serious injuries, such as significant disfigurement or impairment, individuals can step outside the no-fault system to pursue further claims against the responsible party. Pennsylvania drivers can also choose full tort insurance, which provides unrestricted rights to pursue a lawsuit but is more expensive to carry.

Contact Rosenbaum Injury Law If You’ve Been Injured

If you’ve been injured at one of these dangerous intersections in Philadelphia, you need experienced legal guidance on your side. Get in touch with the top-rated Philadelphia car accident attorneys at Rosenbaum Injury Law today to get help with protecting your rights today.