2013
Holiday Safety Alert – Issue 1
Crossing That Bridge When You Come To It
Did you know that Pennsylvania has the third largest number of bridges in the nation? But
unfortunately at the same time, we lead the nation in the number of bridges classified as “structurally
deficient”. That is not surprising because the average age of the 25,000 state owned bridges is 50
years old.
What is a structurally deficient bridge? A bridge that is rated structurally deficient does not mean
that the bridge is unsafe. It means that it has deteriorated to one or more of its major components.
Although deterioration is present, a structurally deficient bridge is safe. If a bridge is deemed to be
unsafe PennDOT closes that bridge.
Recently, in order to observe bridge safety, PennDOT and local bridge owners have been adding
new weight restrictions or lowering existing weight restrictions on approximately 1,000 bridges
statewide. The good news is that with the passage of the new transportation bill, bridge repair is a
top priority.
When you have to drive over a bridge – do your hands become sweaty? Do you have place a deathgrip on the steering wheel? Does your heart race or do you feel lightheaded? If you do, you are not
alone.
An anxiety attack when driving over a bridge can happen to the best of drivers and it can come on
suddenly. It even can happen to someone who has never had any problem crossing a bridge before.
For some people the fear is so severe that they will go miles out of their way to not cross a particular
bridge.
People that have a fear of crossing bridges are called “gephyrophobics”. According to Jean Ratner,
the director for the Center for Travel Anxiety, “An individual does not fear the prospect of the
bridge collapsing, but of having a panic attack while crossing the bridge and not being able to
control it.”
Several of the larger bridges such as the Tappen Zee Bridge and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel
have services that can drive your car from one end of the bridge to another. But if your travels this
week take you over bridges that do not have this service, there are several things you can do to make
that trip stress free.

Do not look at the screen of your GPS that is detailing your route across the water. Looking
at that small dot or arrow can intensify your feelings of anxiety. Turn the map to either just
written directions, a radio face or better yet, turn it off until you have crossed that bridge.

Look straight ahead, especially when the car is climbing up the arch.

Try do some deep breathing as you approach the bridge and during the crossing.

If your passenger is not afraid of crossing the bridge, pull over safely before you cross the
bridge and have them drive over it. If possible, sit in the back seat.

You can also plot out your route in advance and identify any bridges that you might face
along the way. Most mapping websites will enable you to plot out the route with specific
detour changes.

Don’t be embarrassed if you are afraid of driving over a bridge. It is a fear just like the fear
of heights. If the fear becomes disabling, you may want to seek professional guidance.