Philadelphia is not immune to motor vehicle accidents caused by dangerous defective roadways. A recent study by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) revealed that there were 122,586 motor vehicle accidents in Philadelphia in the year 2010. The National Transportation Safety Board has found that roadway defects are one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents due to their prevalence along the highways and roads. This trend shows no sign of slowing down as Philadelphia’s population continues to grow.
Close to 100,000 crashes occur each year in Philadelphia alone. Traffic Authorities and Engineers have analyzed the crashes and found that the most common types of accidents are those caused by roadway defects such as potholes, pavement edge drop-offs, slip ramps, and poor drainage. These types of defects can lead to a motor vehicle accident because they can cause drivers’ cars to swerve or otherwise lose control. If you are involved in any such road accidents, you better consult any Philadelphia, PA personal injury attorneys to discuss the scope of compensation.
Let us now see major road defects that lead to motor vehicle accidents in Philadelphia.
- Potholes
Potholes have been a long-standing problem in the city of Philadelphia. The city has a strong history of potholes, and they have caused a dramatic increase in accidents. In 2015, Philadelphia had over 4,000 motor vehicle accidents from pothole-related incidents! Some drivers have been very lucky to get away with just scratches on their cars, while others have been seriously injured.
- Poor drainage
In recent years, many motor vehicle accidents in Philadelphia have been caused by poor drainage along a certain section of a street. Sometimes cars will lose control and flip over when water from the storm drains pools on the roadway. The issue has been raised to near critical levels during heavy rains, which are typical in this area. Accidents that occur due to poor drainage can be devastating for both drivers and passengers alike.
- Depressions
In Philadelphia, there have been many motor vehicle accidents due to the depressions on the roads. This has been a major issue for years, but it is only now being addressed. The depressions are created by manholes, utility covers, and other infrastructure that are found throughout Philadelphia. Motor vehicles are unable to avoid these pits in the road, which creates the risk of injury for drivers and passengers.
