Muhlenberg Township, PA (July 31, 2026) – At least one person was injured on Thursday afternoon, July 30, in a motor vehicle collision at the intersection of Center Avenue and Hartman Road in Muhlenberg Township, a suburban community just north of Reading. It was reported around 2:19 p.m. Center Avenue is a busy commercial corridor lined with retail stores and restaurants in that part of the township.
No further details about the vehicles involved or the extent of the injuries were immediately available.
The cause of the wreck was not immediately known. We hope for a full recovery for everyone involved.
Why Are Commercial Corridors Riskier for Turning Crashes?
Commercial corridors with frequent retail entrances and exits, like this stretch of Center Avenue, see more turning movements than a typical residential street. Drivers pulling in or out of parking lots have to cross oncoming traffic, which can create conflicts if visibility is limited or another vehicle is moving faster than expected.
Left turns across traffic are one of the more common contributing factors at busy commercial intersections. A driver waiting to turn may misjudge the speed or distance of an oncoming vehicle, especially during afternoon hours when traffic volume tends to pick up as people run errands or head home from work.
Well-timed traffic signals, dedicated turn lanes, and clear sightlines around driveways can all help reduce the number of incidents along a corridor like this. Drivers can also help by slowing down near shopping centers and staying alert for vehicles entering or exiting nearby parking lots, especially during busier afternoon and evening hours.
