Durham, a rural town in Middlesex County, is intersected by several state routes that carry both local and commuter traffic. While small in size, the town has experienced a number of serious and fatal crashes, particularly along Route 17. Based on crash data from the UConn Crash Data Repository and recent news reports, the most dangerous roadways in Durham include Route 17, Route 68, Route 79, and Route 147.

Major Routes with High Crash Rates

• Route 17 (Main Street)
  Route 17 is the most dangerous roadway in Durham and has been the site of numerous serious and fatal accidents.
  • Fatal crashes – In July 2025, a 22-year-old man was killed after crashing into a utility pole near Pickett Lane. In January 2025, an 86-year-old man died in a three-vehicle crash on Route 17 involving snowy road conditions.
  • Crash volume – An analysis of UConn crash data from 2015 to late 2018 found nearly 200 crashes on Route 17 within Durham.
• Route 68
  While less crash-prone than Route 17, Route 68 still carries a steady volume of commuter traffic and contributes to Durham’s crash totals.
• Route 79
  This state route recorded 38 crashes between 2015 and 2018, making it another corridor of concern.
• Route 147
  Although less traveled, Route 147 still saw 18 crashes between 2015 and 2018, with accidents often occurring near intersections or curves.

Factors Contributing to Accidents

Several factors make Durham’s roadways particularly dangerous:

• Reckless driving and speeding – Excessive speed has played a role in many of the town’s most severe crashes, particularly along Route 17.
• Weather and road conditions – Snow and ice significantly increase risks on Durham’s state routes. The January 2025 fatal crash on Route 17 was linked in part to slippery road conditions.
• Traffic volume – Heavy vehicle flow on state roads like Route 17 increases the likelihood of congestion-related crashes and rear-end collisions.
• Intersections and road design – Intersections and curves are frequent crash sites. The July 2025 fatal crash on Route 17 occurred when a driver lost control near an intersection.

Stay Alert, Stay Safe

Durham’s rural roads, combined with speeding, weather hazards, and busy intersections, make driving here especially challenging. Whether traveling along Route 17, commuting on Route 79, or navigating smaller state routes, drivers should slow down, remain alert, and take extra care during winter months.

Protect Yourself

Durham’s rural roads, speeding issues, and winter weather hazards create unique dangers for drivers. Whether you’re traveling on Route 17, Route 68, Route 79, or Route 147, slowing down, staying alert, and using extra caution at intersections and during poor weather are essential for safety.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Durham 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 catherinev2.sg-host.com to learn more about protecting your case.