The deadliest highway in New Hampshire is I-93, followed by SR-101 and SR-16. In the winter, merging onto the 93 North can be difficult, as well, and the small area near exit 15W can be hazardous because it is so difficult to merge while other drivers are taking the ramp.
Off the freeway, Beech Street and Cilley Road in Manchester, Main Street and Hollis Street in Nashua, and Loudon Road and Fort Eddy Road in Concord all see more than their fair share of car crashes each year. Drivers have also had difficulties on Jefferson Notch Road and Old Cherry Mountain Road.
The Worst Intersections in New Hampshire
According to WOKD, the 13 worst intersections in New Hampshire include:
- Lee Traffic Circle
- Spaulding Turnpike Exit 8 East/West
- Exit 2 off-ramp from I-89 North
- Derry Traffic Circle
- Five-way intersection in Goffstown
- Route 202 and Estes Road in Rochester
- Route 1 and 107 intersection in Seabrook
- 101 West Exit to 293 North
- Route 108 South in after Dover Middle School
- Five Corners in Hampton
- The intersection of Epping Road, Columbus Ave, and Brentwood Road in Exeter (more than one source cites Brentwood Road as dangerous!)
- Exit 2 off Route 293
- Colby Court and Second Street intersection in Bedford
New Hampshire authorities are also concerned about the corner of Route 106 and Seavey Road in Belmont and the intersection of Main Street and West Hollis Street in Nashua. In Concord, the intersection of Pleasant Street and S. State Street causes problems, along with Loudon Road at D’Amante Drive and Sheep Davis Road.
How to Drive on Dangerous Roads and Intersections
Busy urban roads and poorly designed rural roads can contribute to accidents, but safe driving can prevent most crashes. Always follow posted speed limits and be mindful of weather and traffic conditions. Give other drivers at least 3 seconds of following distance and check your blind spot before changing lanes. Never drive under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol and keep your eyes on the road, hands on the wheel, and mind on the task of driving at all times.
At intersections, choose the correct lane, signal any turns you make, be aware of your surroundings and other vehicles, and keep your distance. Hold your wheel straight and keep your foot on the brake while you are waiting to cross the intersection. Yield whenever appropriate (especially to pedestrians and bicycles), enter every intersection carefully, and do not speed through.
Remember that other drivers may not always do what you expect them to do. Watch out for people who try to “beat the light,” fail to signal their turns, turn left after the light has changed, and run red lights. Give yourself a moment to scan the intersection before entering it. Intersections are most dangerous when the light has turned yellow or just turned green.
Unfortunately, you can only control your own behavior behind the wheel. If a distracted driver barrels into an intersection without looking or a drunk driver speeds down the wrong side of the road, there is little you can do.
Still, you should not face the consequences of these careless acts alone.
Instead, let Douglas, Leonard & Garvey, P.C. help you recover compensation from the at-fault party in personal injury cases. We have more than 100 combined years of legal experience, and we have been prioritizing people like you with personalized service since 1997.
If you have been injured on one of New Hampshire’s many dangerous roads or intersections, please do not hesitate to call us at (603) 288-1403 or send us a message online – and don’t forget to ask for a free consultation.