Many people will be driving to the beaches for 4th of July this weekend and Portner & Shure wants to give drivers some tips on how to avoid an accident on the Bay Bridge. More than 27 million vehicles cross the Bay Bridge every year. The bridge receives heavy traffic volumes during the summer, and because of its 4-mile span and its height above the water, it is considered one of the scariest bridges in the world.
Tragically, numerous fatal accidents involving people and cars being knocked off the bridge into the water. The Bay Bridge lacks shoulders for disabled vehicles to stop in, which increases the risk of a serious accident when other drivers are not paying attention. In the decade spanning from 2002 to 2012, there were about 62 accidents on the bridge each year. The two spots on the bridge with the most accidents were on the eastbound side between the toll plaza and the curve and where the bridge curves left. Some drivers and AAA officials want to see speed cameras installed to really deter drivers from speeding across the bridge since it is extremely difficult for police to patrol the bridge. Unfortunately, Maryland law limits these types of cameras to school zones and work zones.
Driving tips that are always offered no matter where you are driving also apply for the Bay Bridge. For example, drivers should abide by the speed limit, avoid distractions in the car, wear your seatbelt, and do not tailgate. Another way to help avoid a serious accident on the bridge is to travel during non-peak times. The Maryland Transportation Authority says the best times to cross the bridge this holiday weekend is Thursday before 10 am and after 10 pm, Friday before 7 am and after 8 pm, Saturday before 10 am and after 5 pm, and Sunday before 10 am and after 10 pm. The most popular travel days will be Thursday and Friday because most people want to get to the beach before the 4th.
If you or a family member has been injured or killed in an accident along the Bay Bridge that is caused by the fault or negligence of another person and would like to consult an experienced Maryland personal injury attorney for free, contact us at (410) 995-1515 to schedule an appointment at one of our office locations in Ocean City or throughout Maryland or visit us online.
