Groton, located in New London County along the shoreline, is home to several busy highways and state routes that have seen a high number of serious and fatal crashes. Based on crash data analysis and recent news reports, the most dangerous roadways in Groton include:
- Interstate 95 (I-95)
- U.S. Route 1 (Fort Hill Road / Bridge Street)
- Route 12 (Brandy Hill Road)
- Fishtown Road
Major Routes with High Crash Rates
Interstate 95 (I-95)
- Fiery crashes – In September 2024, two people were killed in a fiery crash on an I-95 off-ramp near Exit 87. In April 2023, a deadly tanker rollover crash on the Gold Star Memorial Bridge shut down the southbound lanes.
- High traffic volume – Bottlenecks, congestion, and speeding significantly contribute to I-95’s high crash rate.
U.S. Route 1 (Fort Hill Road / Bridge Street)
- Fatal collision – In May 2025, a driver was killed after hitting a utility pole on Fort Hill Road.
- Pedestrian danger – Route 1 is a busy commercial corridor with a history of pedestrian crashes.
Route 12 (Brandy Hill Road)
- Pedestrian incidents – In December 2024, emergency responders were called after a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle.
- Crash history – This road continues to be a concern for both motorists and pedestrians.
Fishtown Road
- Fatal crash – In October 2024, four teenagers were killed in a single-vehicle accident on Fishtown Road, highlighting its dangers.
Notorious Intersections and Areas
- I-95 Exit 87 off-ramp – Site of a fiery crash that killed two people in September 2024.
- Gold Star Memorial Bridge – The April 2023 tanker rollover underscored how deadly this corridor can be.
- Fort Hill Road – A May 2025 single-vehicle crash involving a utility pole resulted in one fatality.
- Long Hill Road and Meridian Street Extension – In August 2023, a multi-car crash killed one person and seriously injured another.
Factors Contributing to Accidents
- Speeding and reckless driving – Excessive speed is a significant factor in many of Groton’s most serious crashes.
- Dangerous intersections – Congested or confusing intersections, particularly around I-95 interchanges and Route 1, contribute to high crash rates.
- Pedestrian hazards – Inadequate sidewalks and crossings put pedestrians at risk on major routes like Route 1 and Route 12.
- Driving under the influence – Impaired driving has been involved in several fatal incidents.
- High traffic volume – Heavy traffic on I-95 and local state routes increases the likelihood of rear-end and congestion-related crashes.
- Adverse weather conditions – Snow, ice, and rain exacerbate risks on Groton’s roads.
Stay Alert, Stay Safe
Groton’s combination of interstate highways, busy commercial routes, and rural corridors makes driving especially hazardous. Whether navigating I-95, Route 1, or local roads like Fishtown Road, slowing down, driving defensively, and staying alert to pedestrian activity are critical for safety.
Protect Yourself
Groton’s mix of congested highways, dangerous intersections, and pedestrian risks creates serious dangers for drivers and walkers. Whether you’re traveling on I-95, Route 1, or Route 12, obeying speed limits, staying focused, and anticipating heavy traffic can help prevent crashes.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Groton 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.