Interactive Crash Report Reveals Top 10 Most Dangerous Intersections in Worcester
The Law Office of Peter Ventura is pleased to announce its inaugural report in an effort to help make the city's roadways safer.
WORCESTER, Mass., July 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- According to the Federal Highway Association (FHWA), about 2.3 million intersection crashes occur in the United States each year, resulting in nearly 8,000 deaths. In Massachusetts, the heart of the commonwealth has lost its fair share of souls to the unforgiving crossroads of Worcester.
Using data from the Highway Division of the Massachusetts Department of Transportation, the law office of Peter Ventura examined recent traffic data consisting of over 5,000 traffic crashes to create the very first interactive traffic study for the Worcester area. The firm's goal is to reduce and prevent accidents at intersections notorious for crashes. In 2015, Worcester saw a total of 5,380 accidents resulting in 10,359 damaged vehicles, 1,693 injuries, and seven deaths.
"While it may not be realistic for drivers to avoid those areas identified on the 'Top 10' list completely, we hope it encourages them to be more aware of their surroundings while behind the wheel and to plan the time they travel those intersections and other roads accordingly," stated attorney, Peter Ventura. "Avoid early morning and rush hour traffic if you can help it. Those are times when people are getting on and off work. That's when roads tend to be more congested and more prone to accidents."
In Worcester, the intersection at 640 Cambridge Street ranked #1 for the highest number of accidents in 2015—16 total. Rounding out the city's top five most dangerous Worchester intersections include Belmont Street and Plantation Street. It came in at #2 with 15 accidents in 2015. Highland Street and Harvard Street, Main Street and Mill Street, as well as Park Avenue and Highland Street came in third, fourth and fifth place, respectively, with 12 accidents each. To view the entire 'Top 10' list, click here.
"Not all traffic accidents are preventable. However, the reality is that the majority of them are. Many are simply due to driver error," stressed Ventura. "Because these intersections in our study are notorious for motor vehicle accidents, looking at your phone, playing with the radio, or staring at something else altogether is a big 'no, no.' Truthfully, you shouldn't be doing any of that no matter what road you travel, but know that your risk for injury goes up even more on the streets that made our list."
According to the law firm's traffic research, the intersections with the largest number of accidents did not directly translate to the largest number of injuries. A majority of accidents resulting in injuries came from Route 290 East and West. Route 290 East saw a total of 57 injuries while 290 West saw 40. The intersection of Chandler & Piedmont Street ranked third with nine injuries followed by Highland and Harvard Street with eight.
When behind the wheel of a car – whether alone or with passengers – driving safely should always be every driver's priority, according to Ventura.
"Keep 100% of your attention on driving at all times. Be aware of what other drivers around you are doing and avoid the need to speed. When you drive too fast, you have less time to react, and it increases the severity of an accident," stated Ventura. "Also, remember to check your mirrors before merging lanes, keep a safe distance between you and the cars around you."
ABOUT PETER VENTURA: Attorney Peter Ventura was born, raised, and now lives in Worcester, MA. He is a former Assistant District Attorney in Worcester County (1982 to 1985) where he prosecuted felony and misdemeanor criminal cases on behalf of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts throughout the Worcester County area. He has tried hundreds of cases as a prosecutor. Now in private practice, Ventura represents injured persons involved in serious motor vehicle accidents at no fault of their own. Over the years, Attorney Ventura has recovered millions of dollars in awards and settlements for accident victims and their families in cases ranging from simple and routine accidents to unique and complex cases involving serious injuries and death. To learn more, click here.
Media Contact:
Peter Ventura
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508-755-7535
SOURCE Peter Ventura, Attorney at Law
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