Branford, a shoreline town along Long Island Sound, has several major commuter routes that see heavy traffic every day. Unfortunately, these roads are also among the most dangerous in Connecticut, with frequent crashes involving motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists. Based on crash data and police reports, the most hazardous roads in Branford include Route 1, I-95, and Route 146.
Most Dangerous Roads in Branford
- Route 1 (East and West Main Street): Branford’s most dangerous roadway, with over 900 crashes recorded between 2015 and 2018. In August 2024, a fatal motorcycle crash occurred on East Main Street. Pedestrian risk is elevated due to heavy traffic and limited safe crossings.
- Interstate 95 (I-95): Consistently reports a high number of collisions through Branford; congestion, high speeds, and frequent merges drive rear-end and multi-vehicle crashes.
- Route 146: Logged more than 200 crashes (2015–2018). Speeding is a recurring factor. In April 2022, three young people were killed in a single-vehicle, high-speed crash on Hosley Avenue just off Route 146.
- Main Street (downtown): Shorter than the state highways but identified as a local crash hotspot due to intersections and mixed pedestrian/vehicle activity.
High-Risk Intersections
- North Main Street and Cedar Street – Flagged by Branford Police as the most crash-prone intersection in 2019.
- Post Road (Route 1) and Jelliff Lane – Crash with injuries reported in February 2021, highlighting hazards at local crossings.
- East/West Main Street (Route 1) at key shopping-area junctions – Frequent fender-benders and injury crashes tied to congestion and turning conflicts.
Other Hazardous Roads
- Hosley Avenue (off Route 146)
- Cedar Street
- North Main Street
Why Accidents Happen
- High traffic volume on I-95 and Route 1 increases rear-end and congestion-related crashes.
- Pedestrian hazards along Route 1 due to inadequate sidewalks and safe crosswalks.
- Speeding and reckless driving, including the 2022 Hosley Avenue fatal crash.
- Intersection complexity in downtown areas increases turning and crossing conflicts.
- Adverse weather compounds risks on highways and busy arterials.
Protect Yourself
Branford’s roadways present challenges for drivers and pedestrians alike. Whether you’re navigating I-95, driving along Route 1, or walking downtown, slow down, avoid distractions, and use designated crossings to reduce your risk of a crash.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Branford car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and other damages. The experienced attorneys at Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP are here to help.
Call us today at 203-438-7450 for a free consultation, or visit catherinev2.sg-host.com to learn more about protecting your case.