Bridport, VT (March 20, 2026) – A driver was hurt after a crash involving a construction loader Wednesday afternoon, March 18, along Vermont Route 22A in Bridport.
According to reports, a 28-year-old man from Vergennes was traveling southbound around 3:01 p.m. when a loader entered the roadway from a private drive west of Cross Road. The loader, operated by a 61-year-old Bridport man, moved into the path of the approaching car.
Authorities stated that the loader operator failed to yield the right of way as required. The southbound vehicle then struck the left side of the loader as it crossed into the lane.
The driver of the car was taken to a nearby hospital with moderate injuries. The loader operator was not hurt. The car sustained heavy front-end damage and was declared a total loss.
The crash remains under investigation. Additional details may become available as authorities continue their review. Our thoughts are with those injured as they receive medical care.
What Happens When Vehicles Enter Highways from Private Roads?
Roads like Vermont Route 22A often carry steady traffic, which can create risks when vehicles enter from private drives or smaller access points. Drivers entering these roadways are expected to yield to oncoming traffic to avoid sudden conflicts.
When a vehicle fails to give the right of way, approaching drivers may have little time to react. Even at moderate speeds, this can lead to direct impacts, especially when larger equipment or slow-moving vehicles are involved.
Clear visibility and timing are key when joining a main roadway. Entering drivers must ensure that lanes are clear before proceeding, while those already on the road rely on consistent traffic behavior to maintain safe travel conditions.
