Schenectady County’s Most Dangerous Roads And Highways

Schenectady County, located in the heart of New York’s Capital Region, is known for its rich history, vibrant communities and scenic beauty. The county boasts several attractions, including the historic Stockade neighborhood, the Mabee Farm Historic Site and the Empire State Aerosciences Museum. Residents and visitors alike enjoy the picturesque views of the Mohawk River and numerous parks. The county also blends urban amenities in towns like Schenectady, Niskayuna, Rotterdam, Scotia and Duanesburg.

Schenectady County has its share of dangerous roads and highways, often due to drivers’ negligence or the municipality in charge of road design and maintenance. With offices in nearby Saratoga Springs and Latham, Anderson, Moschetti & Taffany, PLLC, provides a wide range of effective personal injury services, including those injured due to other drivers’ negligence. With a collective 100 years of experience, our Schenectady car accident lawyers are trial-tested and willing to fight for our clients’ best interests.

7 Roads And Highways To Watch Out For

There are several hazardous roads and highways that are well-known for motor vehicle accidents, injuries and fatalities. While opinions may vary among local residents and tourists, here are seven routes that often appear in the local news:

1. Interstate 88 (I-88): I-88 is a major highway that runs through Schenectady County and is notorious for its high accident rate. The stretch between Normans Kill and Suits Ravine is dangerous due to frequent speeding and sharp curves. The combination of high speeds and challenging road conditions often leads to severe or deadly accidents.
2. Route 7: Also known as Duanesburg Road, this is another hazardous road in Schenectady County. It is known for its heavy traffic, especially during rush hours. The numerous intersections and lack of proper signage contribute to frequent collisions. Additionally, the road’s narrow lanes and poor lighting at night make it even more perilous.
3. Route 5: Also known as State Street, this runs through the heart of Schenectady and is infamous for its high pedestrian traffic and numerous crosswalks. Heavy vehicle traffic and pedestrian crossings increase the likelihood of accidents. Drivers often fail to yield to pedestrians, leading to dangerous situations involving pedestrian injuries.
4. Route 146: Also known as Carman Road, this is a busy thoroughfare with a high incidence of rear-end collisions. The road’s multiple traffic signals and frequent stops contribute to sudden braking and accidents – additionally, the road’s proximity to residential areas means there are many exit and entrance points.
5. Route 159: Also known as Mariaville Road, this rural road poses unique dangers. The road’s winding nature and lack of shoulders make it difficult for drivers to navigate safely. Additionally, wildlife crossing the road, especially at night, adds to the hazards. Some underestimate the road’s challenges, leading to accidents.
6. Route 20: Also known as the Western Turnpike, this major east-west route experiences heavy truck traffic. The road’s narrow lanes and frequent intersections make it a hotspot for accidents. The road’s aging infrastructure, including potholes and uneven surfaces, also contributes to vehicle damage and collisions.
7. Route 337: Also known as Hamburg Street, this is a busy urban road with a high rate of side-impact collisions. The road’s numerous driveways and business entrances create constant traffic flow interruptions. Drivers often make sudden turns or stops, leading to accidents. The road’s poor lighting at night further exacerbates the dangers.

Hold The Negligent Responsible

Residents and visitors need to be aware of the dangers posed by certain roads and highways, perhaps prompting them to slow down. Unfortunately, not everyone is paying attention. Many injuries are caused by drivers who are distracted, under the influence or speeding. These drivers fail to recognize the dangers until it is too late, resulting in fatalities, injuries or property damage. Municipalities will often put off repairs and safety upgrades to known trouble spots as well.

As Schenectady personal injury lawyers located nearby in Saratoga Springs and Latham, Anderson, Moschetti & Taffany, PLLC, are here to help clients hold the negligent accountable. Contact us at 518-328-4486 or visit our contact page. We are available 24/7 and offer free initial consultations.