There were 151 pedestrian deaths in Pennsylvania in 2013, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. To learn more about issues pertaining to Pennsylvania and New Jersey pedestrians and bikers, check out the Cordisco & Saile pedestrian and bicycle accidents library. Plan Philly and Azavea partnered together to map the ten most dangerous intersections for pedestrians in the state. Here’s an overview of what they discovered.
1. Broad and Olney
Broad and Olney rates as one of the most dangerous intersections in Pennsylvania. In between the years of 2008 and 2013, there were 20 pedestrian accidents in this intersection alone.
2. Olney and 5th
Even more dangerous than Broad and Olney is Olney and 5th. This dangerous spot saw 25 pedestrian collisions between the years of 2008 and 2013.
3. Cottman and Bustleton
According to data, the intersection at Cottman and Bustleton was the deadliest intersection in 2013, with eight intersection collisions and seven mid-block collisions. Three of those 15 collisions were fatal. There are basic Pennsylvania traffic laws that drivers must follow around pedestrian areas and it seems they are not being followed here.
4. Market and 11th
Market and 11th is one of the most heavily trafficked intersections in the state, by pedestrians and cars alike. New residential and retail developments are planning for the area, and with them, new plans for pedestrian safety. Hopefully, pedestrian safety initiatives will be instrumental in removing this intersection from the list of deadly spots in the city.
5. Broad and Race
There were 13 pedestrian crashes at the Broad and Race intersection between the years of 2008 and 2013. Less than a block away, there were an additional 16 pedestrian crashes.
6. Broad and Girard
There’s no doubt about it: Broad street is dangerous. The dangerous crosswalk here resulted in 17 pedestrian crashes in the 2008-2013 period. All of these crashes happened in the intersection, not mid-block as was the trend with many other streets listed.
7. JFK and 16th
Dilworth Park, where many pedestrians flock, is surrounded by a number of streets, including the intersection of 16th and JFK. There were ten pedestrians hit at this intersection between 2008 and 2013, seven at 15th and JFK, and six right in front of Dilworth Park on 15th street. There are basic Pennsylvania traffic laws that drivers must follow around pedestrian areas and it seems they are not being followed here. Some posit that it is because drivers are still in “highway mode” once they hit the street grid after exiting, and the pedestrian zone falls into this deadly area.
8. Market and 40th
There were 15 pedestrian crashes at the intersection of 40th and Market from 2008 to 2013. Nearby, there were an additional two pedestrian crashes.
9. Broad and Snyder
Many of the pedestrian crashes at Broad and Snyder occurred mid-block, not in the middle of the intersection. While the intersection still saw the majority (10), the number mid-block (seven) is cause for concern.
10. Frankford and Cottman
Finally, there were two mid-block pedestrian crashes at Frankford and Cottman, and 13 pedestrian crashes that occurred directly in the intersection from 2008 to 2013.
Take Action to Protect Yourself as a Pedestrian
The number of pedestrian accidents in Philadelphia is concerning. When walking, make sure always to exercise caution, and follow pedestrian traffic laws. If you are in an accident, call Cordisco & Saile LLC at 215-642-2335 for legal help.
