Fairfield, one of the busiest towns in Fairfield County, is home to two major highways, high commuter volumes, and several heavily traveled local roads. Unfortunately, these conditions contribute to a high number of motor vehicle accidents each year. Crash data and police reports identify I-95, U.S. Route 1, the Merritt Parkway, and Route 58 as some of the town’s most dangerous roads.
Major Routes with High Crash Rates
- Interstate 95 (I-95)
I-95 is Fairfield’s most dangerous roadway—and one of the most hazardous in Fairfield County overall. Hundreds of crashes are reported annually, caused by congestion, high speeds, and frequent exits. In January 2024, two people were killed in a multi-vehicle collision on I-95 in Fairfield, highlighting the risks along this stretch. - U.S. Route 1 (Post Road)
Also known in some sections as Kings Highway Cutoff, Route 1 is Fairfield’s second most crash-prone road. It is also among Connecticut’s deadliest roads for pedestrians due to poor road conditions, congestion, and a lack of safe crosswalks. In June 2025, a fatal hit-and-run involving a moped occurred near South Benson Road on Post Road. - Merritt Parkway (Route 15)
The Merritt Parkway runs through Fairfield and consistently records a high number of accidents. Narrow lanes, outdated design features, and heavy commuter traffic make this highway particularly dangerous. - Route 58
Extending north toward Redding, Route 58 regularly appears in crash data as one of the town’s high-risk roadways.
Other Hazardous Roads
Additional local crash hotspots in Fairfield include:
- Mill Plain Road
- Route 135
- Route 59
- Commerce Drive
Factors Contributing to Accidents
Accidents in Fairfield are often linked to both road conditions and driver behavior. The main contributing factors include:
- Congestion and speeding – High commuter traffic along I-95, Route 1, and the Merritt Parkway leads to frequent merging and rear-end collisions.
- Pedestrian hazards – Route 1, in particular, poses serious risks for pedestrians due to limited safe crossings.
- Weather conditions – Winter snow and ice significantly increase accident risks, especially on highways.
- Driver behavior – Distracted driving, reckless lane changes, and speeding remain major causes of crashes in town.
Efforts to Improve Safety
Fairfield has implemented a Vision Zero plan, with a goal of eliminating all severe crashes and fatalities by 2034. The plan emphasizes:
- Lowering vehicle speeds in high-risk areas.
- Improving pedestrian and cyclist infrastructure.
- Expanding public education about roadway safety.
Stay Alert, Stay Safe
Whether driving on I-95, commuting along the Merritt Parkway, or crossing Post Road, it is important to exercise caution in Fairfield. Staying focused, obeying speed limits, and watching for pedestrians can reduce the likelihood of serious accidents.
Protect Yourself
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Fairfield crash, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. The experienced attorneys at Hastings, Cohan & Walsh, LLP (HCW, LLP) are here to protect your rights and guide you through the legal process.
Call us today at (203) 438-7450 for a free consultation, or visit catherinev2.sg-host.com to learn more about protecting your case.