The Pennsylvania Turnpike offers Scranton residents an easy, quick way to travel throughout the region and state, but accidents on the turnpike can be serious or deadly.
This can make people anxious about driving on the turnpike, which is often clogged with other vehicles, including large trucks. Additionally, when areas of the turnpike are under construction, the risk of an accident increases.
You can reduce your risk of an accident on the turnpike by always wearing your seatbelt and avoiding using your cell phone. Drive at the posted speed limit, which is lower in construction zones and in bad weather and use the left-hand lane only when you are passing another vehicle.
What to do if you are in a turnpike accident
If you do get in an accident while driving on the turnpike, move your vehicle to a service plaza, off an exit or in a wide, safe area. Do not get out of your vehicle if you are close to traffic or pulled over right on the side of the road.
If your vehicle cannot be moved, call *11 which is the number for the PA Turnpike Operations Center and wait until assistance arrives. Exchange contact information with the other driver involved in the accident and obtain their insurance information.
Take photographs of the accident scene, including the exact location and any damage to your vehicle.
Promptly treat any injuries. See a doctor and get a thorough checkup after the accident even if you do not believe you were injured. Some injuries, such as certain brain injuries, are not immediately apparent.
Know your rights and options after an accident
You have probably seen negligent drivers on the turnpike before. They are often the drivers speeding, weaving between vehicles, veering off to the side of the road or drifting into other lanes.
Distracted, drowsy or drunk driving are some examples of factors that cause negligent driving. The documentation from your accident could be valuable evidence in a personal injury lawsuit against a negligent turnpike driver.