Car Accidents on Pittsburgh’s Bridges: What Drivers Should Know

Did you know Pittsburgh has more than 400 bridges? That’s more than any other city in the United States. Pittsburgh is often called “The City of Bridges.” These bridges connect neighborhoods, shorten commutes, and offer beautiful city views. However, bridges also present challenges for everyday driving.

Driving over a bridge here in Pittsburgh is different than driving on a regular road. Elevation, changing weather, and tight lanes can create a perfect storm for car accidents. Here are some key factors that can cause car crashes on Pittsburgh bridges.

Risk factors on Pittsburgh bridges

Pittsburgh’s bridges are critical for getting around the city, but this also means they can become “choke points.” During peak hours, traffic congestion is a given. The Fort Pitt Bridge, for example, is notorious for bottlenecking during rush hour. Stop-and-go traffic, especially on a bridge, is frustrating and dangerous. Drivers may follow too closely, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. Even a small fender-bender on a bridge can escalate into a multi-car pileup due to the lack of shoulders or safe pull-off areas.

If you’ve lived in Pittsburgh for any amount of time, you know how unpredictable the weather can be. One minute it’s sunny, and the next, you’re dealing with rain, fog, or even snow. This unpredictability becomes even more dangerous on bridges. Unlike regular roads, bridges are exposed on all sides, cooling down and freezing more quickly in the winter. Black ice, a thin layer of nearly invisible ice, is a common hazard on bridges like the Smithfield Street Bridge. In rainy conditions, bridges can become slippery, reducing your vehicle’s traction. Fog is another issue, particularly on bridges like the Glenwood Bridge, where visibility can drop to only a few feet. When drivers can’t see what’s ahead, the chances of a collision increase greatly.

Bridge maintenance is another constant headache in Pittsburgh. While they’re necessary to keep the bridges safe, construction zones can be a nightmare for drivers. Reduced lanes, sudden detours, and uneven surfaces can all contribute to car accidents. For example, ongoing work on the Rachel Carson Bridge has caused frequent lane closures and traffic backups.

How can I stay safe on Pittsburgh’s bridges?

You can take some steps to protect yourself and others when driving on Pittsburgh’s bridges. Following are some practical tips.

• Maintain a safe following distance. Tailgating is a common cause of bridge accidents, especially in heavy traffic. Leave at least a three-second gap between you and the vehicle in front of you. This will give you enough time to react in the event the driver brakes or traffic comes to a sudden stop.
• Watch for weather conditions. Check the weather before heading out, especially during the winter months. If there’s a chance of ice or snow, consider delaying your trip or taking an alternate route that doesn’t involve a bridge. If you must drive, drive at a reduced speed and stay extra cautious.
• Slow down in construction zones. Construction zones require a driver’s full attention. Slow down, follow the posted speed limits, and be prepared for sudden lane changes or detours. Remember, fines for speeding in work zones are typically doubled, and the risk of an accident is much higher.
• Stay alert and avoid distractions. Distractions like texting, eating, or fiddling with the controls can be deadly on a bridge with little room for error. Keep both of your hands on the wheel and your eyes on the road. If you need to make a call or text, wait until you’re off the bridge.
• Use your headlights. If you’re driving in fog, heavy rain, or snow, turn on your headlights (not your high beams). This increases your visibility to other drivers. On bridges with sharp curves or elevation changes, like the West End Bridge, it’s important to be visible to everyone.

What should I do if I’m in a Pittsburgh bridge accident?

Even the most cautious drivers can still be involved and injured in an accident. If you have a car accident on one of Pittsburgh’s famous bridges, here’s what to do.

• Move to a safe location. If your car is drivable, try to move to the nearest exit or a safe area off the bridge. Staying in the middle of traffic can be dangerous, especially if the bridge is narrow.
• Call 911. Report the accident to the police and request medical assistance if anyone is injured. The police will file an accident report, which you will likely need for insurance claims and legal action.
• Gather information. Exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver(s) involved. If there are any witnesses, get their contact information too. Take photos of the accident scene, including any vehicle damage and road conditions.
• Contact an experienced Pittsburgh car accident lawyer. At Carmody & Ging, Injury & Accident Lawyers, we can help you understand your rights, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Our lawyers understand how complicated a car accident case can be, especially when it happens on Pittsburgh bridges. Our team has extensive experience handling bridge-related accidents, and we can guide you through every step of the process.

If you’ve been injured in a car accident on one of Pittsburgh’s bridges, you don’t have to go through the legal process alone. The experienced attorneys at Carmody & Ging, Injury & Accident Lawyers, are here to help you seek the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you work through your claim. Call us or fill out our contact form to schedule your free initial consultation today.