The Schuylkill Expressway, also known as “the Schuylkill,” stretches from King of Prussia to the Walt Whitman Bridge. It runs parallel to the namesake Schuylkill River and serves as the main route into Philadelphia from the west. While convenient on its face, the heavy traffic, sharp curves, and frequent car accidents have earned it the nickname “Surekill Expressway.”
More than 160,000 vehicles use the expressway every day in Philadelphia County, and more than 100,000 do so in Montgomery County. This congestion leads to a variety of hazards for unsuspecting drivers: for instance, the sheer wear and tear of traffic led to mandatory road closures on the road’s bridges. Without this construction, the surface material could have damaged crossing vehicles and created accidents.
Additionally, the Schuylkill Expressway’s congestion demands that drivers pay attention and remain vigilant, especially during rush hour, when traffic patterns change without warning. When drivers engage in distracted driving by using their phones, eating a meal, conversing with their passengers, or fiddling with their GPS, even veteran expressway users run the risk of causing a collision. To reach their destination as soon as possible, some drivers will adopt aggressive driving habits by recklessly changing lanes and tailgating the car in front of them. All of these practices can cause one of the roadway’s many rear-end collisions or multi-car pileups.
How Can You Drive Safely on the Schuylkill Expressway?
Always practice defensive driving techniques while on the Schuylkill Expressway: maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you, refrain from using your phone, and keep your head on a swivel to check your blind spots and rearview mirrors.
Obey all posted speed limits and slow down as necessary. The expressway has many curves that can put you in danger if you take them too quickly. Adjust your speed during inclement weather, and refrain from speeding up too much during open stretches of road.
When merging onto the expressway, accelerate to match the speed of the cars, use your turn signals, and ensure that you have enough space for a safe merge. If you force your way into a lane or brake suddenly, you could accidentally cause pile-ups or side-swipes.
What Should You Do After a Car Accident on the Schuylkill Expressway?
Accidents happen, especially on dangerous stretches of road like the Schuylkill Expressway. Call 911 to report the accident, request medical attention, and get yourself and your car (if possible) to the side of the road, out of traffic. If you believe another driver’s negligence caused your accident, take pictures of the road conditions, car damage, and any visible injuries.
Contact the Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC Today
If you need help after an accident on the Schuylkill Expressway, contact the Philadelphia car accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC. Call us at 215-569-8488 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. Our Philadelphia and Abington, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, Delaware, offices serve clients in the surrounding areas.