BRENTWOOD, Rockingham County, N.H., Sept. 16, 2026 — A car crash with possible injuries closed part of NH-3 near S Rd in Brentwood on Monday morning, September 14.
Emergency scanner traffic placed the crash at 145 S Rd around 7:25 a.m. Authorities issued a traffic alert asking drivers to avoid the area while crews responded.
The number of vehicles involved and the extent of any injuries have not been released. Authorities described the crash only as a motor vehicle accident with possible injury, and it remains unclear how many people, if any, were hurt.
No further details on the cause of the crash or the condition of anyone involved have been made public. The incident remains under investigation.
Our thoughts are with those who were injured, and we wish them a full recovery.
What Determines How Much Damage a Car Crash Does in Brentwood
The severity of a car crash comes down to a few basic physical factors, not luck. Closing speed, the combined speed of the vehicles at the moment of impact, matters more than the posted speed limit on the road where it happens. A crash between two vehicles each traveling 40 mph produces far more force than either vehicle hitting a stationary object at the same speed.
Weight difference also plays a role. When a heavier vehicle strikes a lighter one, the lighter vehicle absorbs more of the force and its occupants experience a harder jolt. Modern vehicles are built with crumple zones at the front and rear designed to collapse and absorb energy, while the passenger cabin is reinforced to resist collapsing inward. That design only works as intended when the occupants are properly restrained.
Seat belts and airbags are built to work together. A seat belt keeps a person positioned so an airbag can do its job; without the belt, an occupant can move too far forward or sideways before the airbag deploys, reducing its effectiveness. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 2,442,581 people were injured in traffic crashes in 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is distracted driving so dangerous?
Taking eyes or attention off the road for even a few seconds reduces a driver's ability to react to sudden changes, such as a stopped vehicle or a car merging unexpectedly. At normal road speeds, a car can travel the length of a football field in the time it takes to read a text.
How do weather and road conditions affect crash risk?
Rain, fog, ice, and snow reduce tire traction and visibility, which increases stopping distance and the chance of losing control. Wet or icy pavement is a factor in a large share of crashes reported each winter in New Hampshire.
What should I do right after a car accident?
Move to a safe location if possible, check for injuries, and call 911. Exchange information with other drivers, take photos of the scene and vehicle damage, and get a copy of the police report once it's available.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Brentwood, NH
If you're involved in a crash in Brentwood, stay calm and check yourself and any passengers for injuries before getting out of the vehicle if it's safe to do so. Call the authorities even if injuries seem minor, since some symptoms don't show up right away.
Once law enforcement arrives, cooperate with their investigation and get their names and the report number for your records. Seek a medical evaluation within a day or two of the crash even if you feel fine, since injuries like whiplash or internal bruising can take time to surface. Keep any paperwork, photos, and receipts related to the crash in case you need them later.
