Road Watch Col. For July 12
Philadelphia ranks as one of the least safe driving cities, sixth worst in the nation, according to a report released by Allstate Insurance Company.
For the fifth year, Allstate has released its annual report which ranks America’s 193 largest cities in terms of car collision frequency to identify which cities have the safest drivers, according to Allstate data. This year’s report highlights America’s most improved motorists.
Philadelphia ranked seventh worst last year. Of the 10 largest cities, Philadelphia ranked dead last for the second year in a row.
The average driver in Philly will experience an auto collision every 6.4 years, a decrease of 0.2 from the 2008 report. Drivers in the city are 57 percent more likely than the national average to experience a crash.
“We don’t want drivers in Philadelphia to be discouraged by their ranking,” said an Allstate spokesman. “Instead, we hope the report will challenge drivers in Philadelphia to make positive changes to their driving habits that will in turn make the city a safer place to live, work and raise families.”
Auto crashes in general have declined over the last few years, but crash fatalities still average around an alarming 40,000 every year despite technological advances, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Human error is the biggest cause of accidents so it is vital for drivers across the country to be tolerant and attentive behind the wheel.
Alexandria, Va., topped the most-improved chart, improving its years between accidents by 1.8 years and climbed from the 194 spot in 2005 to 174 in 2009. Five of the top 10 most improved driving cities were located in Virginia: Alexandria, Hampton, Virginia Beach, Chesapeake and Richmond.
Drivers from Sioux Falls, S.D., maintained their status as the safest city in this year’s report for the fourth consecutive year. However, two new cities championed their way into the top 10, Eugene, Oregon, and Boise, Idaho.
Drivers in cities with populations of 1 million or more are more likely than the national average to experience a collision. Motorists in Phoenix, Ariz., topped the list in this category, making them the safest big city commuters.
Allstate offers the following safe driving tips:
BULLET Minimize distractions: engaging in any other activity while driving, talking on your cell phone, text messaging, changing a radio station or putting on makeup is a distraction.
BULLET Be aware of road conditions: ice, snow, fog and rain are all hazardous weather conditions which require extra caution and slower speeds.
BULLET Maintain a safe distance between your vehicle and others, at least one car length space between your car and the vehicle in front of you for every 10 miles per hour of speed.
BULLET Steer clear of road rage. Reduce stress on the road by allowing plenty of time for traveling, planning your route in advance and altering your schedule or route to avoid congest roads. Don’t challenge aggressive drivers and avoid them.
BULLET Maintenance matters. Safety also depends on the maintenance of one’s car. Ensure that the engine, brakes, exhaust system, tires, lights, battery and hoses are in good working order.
WATER MAIN WORK
Aqua Pennsylvania will close Church Lane (Route 13) between Pembroke and Baltimore avenues in East Lansdowne starting Monday and through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for water main installation by Aqua Pennsylvania.
During construction, Church Lane traffic will be detoured over Pembroke Avenue, Lansdowne Avenue and Baltimore Avenue.
In addition, Baltimore Avenue will be closed between Church Lane and Lansdowne Avenue in Upper Darby, Lansdowne and East Lansdowne beginning July 20 and through Nov. 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. for water main installation. During construction, Baltimore Pike traffic will be detoured over Route 13, MacDade Boulevard and Lansdowne Avenue.
Local access will be maintained up to the construction zones. Motorists are advised to allow extra time when traveling through these areas.
ITS PROJECTS
PennDOT awarded a $13.6 million contract to Carr & Duff Inc. of Huntingdon Valley, Montgomery County, for a project to install Intelligent Transportation System equipment on I-95 and I-476 (Blue Route) in Delaware County.
PennDOT expects this project to go to construction later this month.
The ITS project covers 16 miles of I-95 between the Delaware state line and the Broad Street Interchange in Philadelphia.
The project also includes 14 miles of I-476 between the I-95 Interchange and Route 30 (Lancaster Avenue) Interchange in Delaware County.
The contractor will install 17 closed-circuit television cameras, three dynamic message signs, 14 vehicle detectors and 15 travel-time readers on I-95 to extend ITS coverage area to the Delaware state line.
The contractor will also install eight dynamic message signs and 11 travel-time readers on I-476 to complement the existing ITS equipment on the highway.
PennDOT also awarded a $190,000 contract to C. Abbonizio Contractors Inc. of Sewell, N.J., for the construction of new concrete curb ramps in Brookhaven.
Curb ramps will be constructed on Brookhaven Road between South Gray Street and Barlow Avenue, and on Bridgewater Road at Trimble Boulevard to ensure the new ramps meet the latest design standards.
Some 36 ramps will be rebuilt under this borough project and PennDOT expects construction to start in August.
Traffic Delays
Springfield -- Sproul Road (Route 320), road reconstruction and widening with lane restrictions between Baltimore Pike and Route 420, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Aug. 14. Work began July 6.
Springfield – Baltimore Pike, AT&T conduit installation, with lane restrictions between Norwinden Drive and Sproul Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through July 30. Work began June 10.
Middletown and Media – Baltimore Pike, AT&T conduit installation with lane restrictions between Routes 452 and 352, 7 p.m.-6 a.m. weeknights through Aug. 28. Work began April 20.
West Baltimore Avenue – Upper Darby and Lansdowne, AT&T conduit installation, one lane closed between Church Lane and Lansdowne Avenue, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays and 6 p.m.-6 a.m. weeknights through July 30. Work began May 18.
Holmes Road/Amosland Road – Ridley Township, Prospect Park and Norwood, Aqua utility installation between MacDade Boulevard and Chester Pike 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Monday through October, detour posted.
Upper Chichester – Naamans Creek Road, utility installation, closed/detoured between Meetinghouse Road and I-95, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., weekdays through July 18. Work began May 11.
Haverford – Coopertown Road, Aqua installation, closed/detoured between College Avenue and Darby Road 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays through Aug. 28. Work began April 20.
Also, College Avenue closed/detoured 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays between Coopertown Road and Spring Mill Lane.
Chester — Flower Street, ramp construction with a new traffic pattern at Fourth and Second streets, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.
Also, Norris Street, ramp construction with lane restrictions at Front Street and Delaware Avenue, 24-hour restriction through 2011. Work began Jan. 12.
Ridley Park – Ridley Avenue, Aqua utility installation, closed/detoured between Constitution Avenue and Cresswell/Tasker streets 9 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays and through Aug. 28. Work began March 9.
“Road Watch” appears Sundays. Only messages and mail with phone numbers will be considered. E-mail: jroman@delcotimes.com.