Vermont Intersections

Vermont’s quiet charm and scenic drives can lull drivers into a false sense of safety, but beneath the beauty lie some of the deadliest roads in New England. Whether you’re navigating winter weather, winding mountain passes, or suburban congestion, a routine drive can turn tragic in seconds. From 2018 to 2024, crash data show that five key corridors in Vermont rank highest for fatalities and high-risk collisions.

In this guide, we explore the five deadliest roads in Vermont, explain what makes them dangerous, and outline what to do if you or someone you love is involved in a crash. If you’ve been injured in a Vermont car accident, call Local Accident Reports at 888-657-1460. We’ll help you get your free police crash report and connect you with a trusted Vermont personal injury lawyer today.

Vermont Crash Trends at a Glance

• Traffic fatalities increased by nearly 40% between 2020 and 2022, with almost 90 deaths recorded in 2022 alone.
• Weather-related pileups, wildlife crossings, and rural high-speed zones contribute significantly to Vermont’s crash risk.
• Vermont’s rural roads have higher per-mile fatality rates despite lower traffic volumes than urban states.

Top 5 Deadliest Roads in Vermont

I-89: Exit 12 (Williston) to Exit 14 (Burlington/South Burlington)

The stretch of I-89 from Williston to Burlington sees some of the state’s worst commuter congestion, and the data shows the consequences. From 2018 to 2022, it saw six fatal crashes and seven lives lost. This corridor becomes particularly dangerous in winter when slick roads, fog, and black ice cause multi-vehicle pileups.

Rear-end crashes dominate accident types here, especially near Exit 14, a major exit for the University of Vermont, UVM Medical Center, and downtown Burlington. Vermont’s only multi-lane interstate, I-89, funnels thousands of daily commuters, with tractor-trailers and local traffic merging at high speeds. The short weaving distance between exits, rapid lane changes, and reduced visibility create a high-risk formula.

During winter, VTrans often closes sections of this corridor after spinouts and pileups. Emergency crews frequently cite driver inattention, overspeeding in snowy conditions, and poor lane discipline as significant factors. Despite increased patrols and plowing, crash trends remain stubbornly high.

US-7: Shelburne to South Burlington (Chittenden County)

US-7, running north-south through Chittenden County, combines the hazards of a high-volume arterial road with suburban sprawl. Between Shelburne and South Burlington, the corridor is lined with shopping centers, driveways, traffic lights, and wide pedestrian crossings—all contributing to 5 fatal crashes and six deaths in just five years.

Inconsistent speed limits cause driver confusion. One mile may be posted at 50 mph, while the next drops to 30 mph without much warning. Cars turning left into or out of businesses routinely block traffic, causing sudden stops that often result in rear-end or angle crashes. In a national survey, Route 7 was ranked the 92nd worst highway in the U.S. for driver experience and safety.

This corridor also sees significant foot traffic, especially near the Shelburne Museum, University Mall, and local schools, putting pedestrians at heightened risk. Vermont’s push for multi-modal use (bike lanes, bus routes) is admirable, but it sometimes worsens the confusion without clear infrastructure.

Route 105: Northeast Kingdom Corridor (Statewide)

Vermont Route 105 spans a wide swath of rural territory through Orleans, Essex, and Franklin counties. With 169 reported crashes in five years, it’s one of the most collision-prone roads in the entire state. Fatality counts vary across segments, but consistent themes emerge: sharp turns, fog-prone valleys, and frequent moose and deer crossings.

In many sections, speed limits exceed 50 mph, despite narrow shoulders and a lack of barriers. During fall and winter, fog can sit in valleys for hours, drastically reducing visibility. State troopers have reported that drivers frequently hydroplane or fail to adjust to road conditions.

Long stretches between towns also mean limited cell service and slow emergency response times. If a crash happens at night or in a remote area, it may take 30+ minutes for help to arrive, amplifying the severity of injuries and delaying care.

Vermont Wildlife Hazard Alert
Moose and deer are involved in hundreds of Vermont crashes annually. US-7, US-2, and Route 105 are frequent hotspots. If you spot a wildlife crossing sign, slow down immediately; collisions with moose often result in rollovers and fatal head trauma.

Route 108: Smugglers’ Notch

While Route 108 doesn’t post the same fatality stats as other corridors, its reputation as one of Vermont’s most treacherous mountain roads is well-earned. Known locally as Smugglers’ Notch, this scenic route winds between Stowe and Jeffersonville, with hairpin curves, rock walls, and no guardrails.

The road is seasonally closed to trucks, but GPS systems have misled out-of-state truckers into attempting the route; many become stuck, block the road, or cause dangerous backing maneuvers. Even in good weather, the road demands intense focus and low-speed navigation.

Many visitors overestimate their car’s capability or underestimate the terrain in snowy or wet conditions. In the last decade, multiple rollovers and serious injuries have occurred, including incidents involving tourists unfamiliar with mountain driving.

US-2: Burlington to Montpelier (Chittenden & Washington Counties)

US-2, stretching from Burlington to Montpelier, presents a unique mix of hazards. In town centers, you’ll find crosswalks, buses, and cyclists. But outside the cities, it becomes a fast-moving, dimly lit rural highway with long curves and frequent wildlife activity.

This corridor recorded five fatal crashes over 5 years, with fatalities often tied to run-off-road collisions, wildlife strikes, and failure to yield. The mix of commuter traffic, agricultural vehicles, and travelers heading to Stowe or Barre makes for an unpredictable flow. Bad weather, especially during early-morning fog, amplifies the danger.

Vermont Safety Corridor Pilot Program
VTrans launched safety corridor initiatives in 2019 to reduce crash rates on problem highways. These include stepped-up patrols, warning signage, and public education, but fatal crashes continue.

Common Crash Factors on Vermont Roads

Across all these roads, the following crash types and conditions dominate:

• Rear-end and angle crashes: Often in high-volume zones like I-89 and US-7
• Wildlife strikes: Especially on Route 105 and US-2
• Run-off-road crashes: Common on Route 108 and rural parts of US-2
• Weather-related pileups: Seen most on I-89 and mountain passes
• Pedestrian and cyclist collisions: In mixed-use areas of Burlington and South Burlington

Drivers who speed, tailgate, or ignore visibility limits are often at risk. Add icy roads, sudden fog, and undivided lanes—and even one mistake can turn deadly.

What to Do After a Crash in Vermont

Getting into a crash at a high-risk intersection like Devonshire Street & Reseda Boulevard can be overwhelming, but knowing what to do can protect your health, rights, and future. Follow these steps immediately after a collision:

Step 1: Prioritize Safety
If it’s safe, move your vehicle out of traffic. Turn on hazard lights and check yourself and your passengers for injuries. If you cannot move the car, stay inside with your seatbelt fastened until help arrives.

Step 2: Call 911
Always report the crash to the police, even if the damage seems minor. Request emergency medical attention if anyone is hurt. A police report is often essential for insurance and legal claims.

Step 3: Gather Evidence at the Scene
If you’re physically able, take the following actions:

• Photograph the crash scene, vehicle damage, license plates, traffic lights, and any visible injuries.
• Get names and contact information from all parties involved, including witnesses.
• Make note of the weather, lighting, and road conditions.
• Record the direction of travel and sequence of events leading up to the crash.

Step 4: Do Not Admit Fault

Avoid discussing fault with other drivers, witnesses, or responding officers. Stick to factual details when providing a statement. Liability is often complex and should be determined through a full investigation.

Step 5: Get Medical Care Right Away
Even if you feel fine, seek medical attention within 24 hours. Some injuries, like concussions, whiplash, or internal bleeding, may not show symptoms immediately. Documenting your injuries early supports your personal injury claim.

Step 6: Secure Your Police Report

Obtaining your official crash report is crucial. It will document the responding officer’s scene assessment and may indicate who was at fault. Unfortunately, this process can be confusing and slow.

Call Local Accident Reports at 888-657-1460 to:

• Get your free official crash report
• Receive help interpreting the report’s findings
• Learn how it applies to your legal case

Step 7: Consult a Personal Injury Attorney
An experienced attorney can help:

• Determine who was legally at fault
• Negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf
• File a lawsuit if necessary to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering
• Protect you from unfair blame or lowball settlements

Why You Need Legal Help After a Serious Crash

Even a single-car crash on a Vermont backroad can result in serious injuries or death, especially if caused by wildlife, a negligent driver, or dangerous road conditions. Insurance companies often try to deny or delay claims, leaving victims to pay medical bills on their own.

Local Accident Reports has access to a network of Vermont crash attorneys who understand the unique challenges of injury claims in rural and mountainous regions. From Route 7 crash cases to I-89 pileup litigation, we help you find legal partners to recover damages.

Get in Touch with a Trusted Vermont Car Accident Attorney

It’s easy to get comfortable behind the wheel on Vermont’s peaceful highways, but the data is precise: Vermont’s deadliest roads claim lives yearly. From the icy curves of Smugglers’ Notch to the commuter backups on I‑89, drivers must remain alert, patient, and prepared.

If you or someone you love was hurt on one of these roads, don’t wait: Call 1 (888) 657-1460 to get your crash report and speak with a legal advocate. The first consultation is free and confidential.

Don’t navigate your recovery alone. Local Accident Reports is here to help.