Darien, a coastal town in Fairfield County, has several major roadways that see heavy commuter and commercial traffic each day. Unfortunately, these routes are also the site of frequent and sometimes serious accidents. Based on crash data and police reports, the most dangerous roads in Darien include I-95, U.S. Route 1 (Post Road), and the Merritt Parkway.

Major Routes with High Crash Rates  

• Interstate 95 (I-95)
  The stretch of I-95 that passes through Darien is considered one of the most hazardous in the state. High traffic volumes, congestion, and speeding combine to create significant risks. A 2000 traffic study identified specific “high-hazard” segments in Darien, particularly between the Route 136 and U.S. Route 1 interchanges and between Brookside Drive and Noroton Avenue interchanges, as some of the worst crash locations.
• U.S. Route 1 (Post Road)
  Post Road is a major thoroughfare in Darien and consistently reports a high number of crashes. In June 2025, a crash near the Stamford line involving downed power lines forced a closure of the roadway. Historically, Route 1 has also been identified as one of the most dangerous roads in Connecticut for pedestrians, due to limited safe crossings and heavy vehicle traffic.
• Merritt Parkway (Route 15)
  The Merritt Parkway experiences a large number of crashes, though fatalities are less frequent compared to I-95. Its narrow lanes, lack of shoulders, and limited sightlines make it especially dangerous during heavy traffic conditions or poor weather.

Notorious Intersections  

• U.S. Route 1 (Post Road) and Brookside Drive – In February 2025, an impaired driver caused an accident near this intersection.
• Route 1 and the I-95 interchanges – Congestion and merging traffic in this area are frequent causes of crashes, as vehicles navigate between the interstate and Darien’s busy local corridor.

Contributing Factors to Accidents  

• Heavy traffic and congestion – I-95 and Post Road are two of the busiest corridors in the state, and high traffic volumes increase the risk of collisions, particularly rear-end crashes.
• Pedestrian hazards – Route 1 is especially dangerous for pedestrians, with limited crossing infrastructure despite high vehicle traffic.
• Speeding – High speeds on I-95, the Merritt Parkway, and even local roads make crashes more severe.
• Impaired and distracted driving – Accidents involving alcohol, drugs, or distracted drivers have been reported in multiple locations across Darien.

Stay Alert, Stay Safe  

Darien’s roadways are some of the busiest in Fairfield County, making them particularly dangerous for both drivers and pedestrians. Whether commuting on I-95, navigating Post Road, or driving along the Merritt Parkway, drivers should slow down, remain focused, and exercise caution to reduce the risk of crashes.

Protect Yourself  

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Darien crash, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. The experienced personal injury 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 catherinev2.sg-host.com to learn more about protecting your case.