EXETER, Rockingham County, N.H., Sept. 24, 2026 — A motor vehicle crash with possible injuries closed part of Epping Road (Rte 27) near the Route 101 ramp on Wednesday evening, September 23, according to a traffic report. The collision was reported around 6:48 p.m., and drivers were urged to use caution in the area.
Details on how many vehicles were involved and what led to the crash have not been released. The report described the injuries as possible, meaning the extent of harm to anyone involved is still unconfirmed.
Emergency crews responded to the scene at the interchange, a busy junction where Epping Road meets the ramp to Route 101. It was not immediately clear whether the roadway was fully or partially blocked while crews worked, or how long the closure lasted. No further information has been released.
We hope those who were hurt recover fully and quickly.
When Evening Commute Crashes Like This Tend to Happen
Crashes near highway interchanges usually cluster around the early evening hours, when traffic volume peaks as commuters head home. Merging and lane changes near ramps demand quick decisions, and drivers who are tired after a workday may react more slowly to sudden braking or shifting traffic ahead.
Fading daylight in the early evening also plays a role. As the sun sets, glare and dropping visibility can make it harder to judge the speed and distance of other vehicles, especially at complex junctions where several lanes of traffic converge.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, passenger vehicles made up 92 percent of registered vehicles and 89 percent of vehicle miles traveled in 2023. That volume of everyday passenger traffic means most crashes, including those at interchanges during the evening commute, involve ordinary cars and SUVs rather than commercial vehicles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common causes of car accidents?
Distraction, following too closely, speeding, and failing to yield at merges or ramps are among the leading factors in everyday crashes, according to traffic safety researchers.
How does speed affect crash severity?
Higher speeds reduce the time a driver has to react and increase the force of impact, which raises the likelihood of serious injury even in otherwise routine collisions.
Why is distracted driving so dangerous?
Taking eyes off the road for even a few seconds, such as to check a phone, can mean missing a slowing vehicle ahead or a merging car, particularly near ramps and interchanges.
What to Do After a Car Accident in Exeter, NH
If you're involved in a crash near a busy interchange, move to a safe location if possible and turn on hazard lights to warn oncoming traffic. Call 911 to report the collision and request medical evaluation, even if injuries aren't immediately obvious, since some symptoms take hours to appear.
Exchange information with other drivers involved and take photos of the scene if it's safe to do so. Once home, follow up with a doctor if any pain, stiffness, or other symptoms develop, and keep records of any medical visits related to the crash.
