Washington, located in Litchfield County, is crossed by several rural state routes that have been the site of serious and fatal crashes. Based on police reports and recent news, the most dangerous roadways in Washington include:

• Route 202
• Route 109
• Route 47

Excessive speed, sharp curves, and rural hazards all contribute to accidents in this area.

Major Routes with High Crash Rates

• Route 202 (Litchfield Turnpike)
  • Fatal collision – In 2025, a Danbury woman was killed on Route 202 after crossing the centerline and colliding with another vehicle.
  • High crash volume – A 2020 crash near Route 47 injured multiple people and shut down the road. A pedestrian was also struck in 2021, closing part of the route.
• Route 109 (Chestnut Land Road)
  • Motorcycle accidents – In 2017, a fatal motorcycle crash occurred after one rider lost control and was struck by another.
  • Deadly history – A 2007 crash killed one person and seriously injured another after a car veered off the road and struck a tree.
  • Intersection hazards – In 2022, a crash at the Route 109/Route 47 intersection overturned a vehicle and closed the road.
• Route 47 (Bee Brook Road)
  • Rollover crashes – A 2018 crash overturned a car, closing part of the road. In 2017, a rollover killed two people and injured two others.
  • Teen fatalities – A 2002 crash near the Washington–Roxbury line killed two brothers when their vehicle lost control on a curve.

Factors Contributing to Accidents

• Reckless driving and speeding – Excessive speed and risky behavior are major causes of severe crashes on Washington’s rural state routes.
• Dangerous curves – Sharp curves increase the risk of losing control, swerving off the road, or colliding with oncoming traffic.
• Rural hazards – Hills, poor visibility, and winter weather conditions create additional risks for drivers.
• Vulnerable road users – Pedestrians and motorcyclists face higher risks on narrow rural roads.

Safety Initiatives

The Connecticut Department of Transportation (DOT) has funded projects to address traffic safety concerns in the region. For example, the Route 61/Route 109 intersection in nearby Morris is being re-aligned to improve safety, and similar infrastructure improvements are being considered for Washington’s high-crash corridors.

Stay Alert, Stay Safe

Washington’s winding state routes demand extra caution. Whether you’re traveling on Route 202, driving along Route 109, or navigating Route 47, slowing down, paying attention on curves, and staying alert to rural hazards can help prevent serious accidents.

Protect Yourself

Washington’s rural roads, with their sharp curves, dangerous intersections, and history of severe crashes, create real risks for drivers. Whether commuting on Route 202, navigating Route 109, or traveling Route 47, driving cautiously, avoiding distractions, and slowing down are essential for safety.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Washington 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 protect your rights.

Call us today at (203) 438-7450 for a free consultation, or visit www.hcwlaw.com to learn more about protecting your case.