What Roadway Changes Do Pennsylvania Drivers Need to be Aware of?

Car accident attorneys in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania highlight some of the safety concerns posed as well as the areas expecting to receive new roadway upgrades.

With roads continually becoming more and more congested in certain cities within the U.S., it is evident specific measures need to be taken in order to decrease the amount of traffic as well as the number of car crashes that seem to be transpiring each and everyday. While precautions are set into place and drivers are constantly reminded on how to practice safe driving, one concern that has arisen deals with the increased speed limit on many of the roadways throughout Pennsylvania.

Many drivers on the turnpike will notice an increase in the speed limit.

On many roads already, citizens are seeing the new signs being placed indicating they are permitted to travel at maximum, 70 mph as opposed to 65 mph which was what it was set at previously. It seems “the increased speed limit is the direct result of hundreds of millions of dollars invested in turnpike upgrades during the last 20 years.” According to Pittsburgh Actions News 4, there are some other upgrades drivers may be seeing which include”

• The expanding of lanes, from four to six.

• Projects to widen the road.

• “Lengthening curves so drivers can maintain speeds.”

Car crash lawyers in Pittsburgh report that while many of these changes have already occurred in some parts of the state of Pennsylvania, these same projects will continue to be carried out in other cities/areas as well.  The “10-mile stretch between Allegheny Valley and Gibsonia is also expected to be modified and” fully completed by Fall 2017.

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania auto accident attorneys also note that many of the speed limit signs on the turnpike will be replaced with those indicating that motorists can in fact travel at 70 miles per hour, legally. Turnpike officials commented on the new upgrades stating that a test was conduced to determine whether there was a noticeable amount of difference in drivers speed, and that no significant difference was exhibited. In fact,” there was a decrease in traffic accidents despite an increase in traffic.”

A main concern with increased speed limits is an increase in the degree of injury.

While it may seem as though these upgrades could help improve the roadway system, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette brought attention to the safety concerns that may arise out of these minor and major upgrades. Although the increase for many areas was only an increment of 5 mph, some worry that rather than an increase in the number of collisions that may occur resulting from this, it is the severity of the accident and the fact that these car crashes could cause much more damage and injury.

While these changes have just recently occurred, and many are still underway, the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania car accident attorneys at Goodrich and Associates, P.C. remind motorists to continue taking precaution and safety measures to avoid becoming engaged in a wreck.

Should you ever require legal services in the event you are in an accident, reach out them as they can assist and guide you with any matter in regards to an auto collision within the state of Pennsylvania.