We’ve written previously about safety concerns on Pennsylvania Route 115, which has been the scene of numerous serious car accidents in recent months. The most recent accident occurred yesterday. Gerald Hendershot, a 55-year-old man from White Haven, lost control of his vehicle, sustained traumatic injuries in a crash, and died of his injuries.
The accident happened about 6:30 a.m. on March 29, just south of the Bear Creek Dam and Beaupland Road, in an area with a 45 mph speed limit. The state police have not released further details about the crash.
But data from the Pennsylvania Department Transportation presents a troubling picture of Route 115. According to PennDOT, there were seven fatal crashes on Route 115 from the Pennsylvania Turnpike to the Monroe County line from 2005 to 2009, as well as 174 other accidents. From the turnpike to Interstate 81, there were an additional four fatal crashes and 114 other accidents.
Doing the math, that makes 11 fatal crashes on Route 115 in only five years, through 2009. Then there were three more in 2010, including two that occurred within a week of each other. That makes 14 fatal crashes since 2005.
On some stretches of Route 115, PennDOT has made changes to the road, such as lowering the speed limit to 45 and installing turning lanes. These changes have not been enough, however, to prevent fatal crashes from continuing to occur.
If you have been injured in a car crash, or a family member has been killed, talk with us to discuss your legal options.
Source: “Route 115 crash fatal for area man,” The Times Leader, 3-30-11