Norwalk is a busy coastal city along Long Island Sound and one of Fairfield County’s largest communities. With a dense mix of local traffic, commuters, and commercial vehicles, it’s no surprise that Norwalk sees a high number of accidents each year. Crash data from the University of Connecticut’s Crash Data Repository and local police reports highlight several roads and intersections that are especially hazardous.

Major Routes with High Crash Rates

• U.S. Route 1
  Route 1 is considered the most dangerous road in Norwalk, particularly for pedestrians. A historical lack of sidewalks, safe crossings, and adequate traffic controls make it especially risky. In 2019, Route 1 recorded 344 crashes, the highest of any roadway in the city.
• Interstate 95 (I-95)
  The stretch of I-95 through Norwalk is one of the busiest in Connecticut. Congestion, frequent stop-and-go traffic, and speeding all contribute to crashes. National studies have identified this section as one of the most dangerous interstates in the country.
• Route 7
  Serving as a major artery through Norwalk, Route 7 recorded 244 crashes in 2019. Its commuter-heavy traffic and multiple intersections make it a consistent crash hotspot.
• West Avenue
  This busy road reported 98 crashes in 2019, making it one of Norwalk’s more accident-prone streets.
• Main Avenue
  Another local road with a high number of collisions, Main Avenue logged 109 crashes in 2019.
• East Avenue
  Heavily traveled and located near the I-95 interchange, East Avenue saw 93 crashes in 2019, reflecting its congestion and accident risks.

Notorious Intersections

Certain intersections in Norwalk are known for particularly high accident rates:

• I-95 at East Avenue – A congested and collision-prone interchange.
• Route 1 intersections – Especially hazardous for pedestrians due to limited safe crossings.
• West Avenue and Wall Street area – A complex downtown corridor with frequent accidents.

Factors Contributing to Accidents

Norwalk’s crash rates stem from a combination of roadway design, congestion, and driver behavior. Common contributing factors include:

• Heavy traffic and speeding on I-95 and Route 1
• Distracted driving, particularly phone use and inattention at intersections
• Road design that prioritizes vehicle traffic over pedestrian and cyclist safety
• Lack of safe pedestrian crossings, especially along Route 1
• Intersection hazards, particularly at the I-95 East Avenue interchange and downtown corridors

Protect Yourself

Driving in Norwalk requires extra caution, whether on I-95, Route 1, or congested local streets like Main Avenue. Staying alert, slowing down, and watching for pedestrians are key to reducing risks.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a Norwalk car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The experienced attorneys at Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP are here to fight for your rights.

Call us today at 203-438-7450 for a free consultation or visit catherinev2.sg-host.com to learn more about protecting your case.