The "Deadliest" Stretch of Highway in Delaware: Locals Know to Avoid

DELAWARE - If you ask a tourist to name a dangerous road in Delaware, they will probably complain about beach traffic on Route 1. But if you ask a local, the answer is almost always the same: Route 13.

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For decades, US 13 (DuPont Highway) has been the backbone of the state, but it has also earned a grim reputation. According to recent data from the Office of Highway Safety and national crash statistics, it remains the most statistically dangerous corridor in the state.

It isn't just about speed; it's about design. It’s a high-speed highway that is also a "main street" for dozens of towns, filled with driveways, U-turns, and stoplights that appear out of nowhere.

But Route 13 isn't the only spot that makes Delaware drivers grip the steering wheel a little tighter. From the "Talleyville Tangle" to the chaos of Kirkwood Highway, here are the specific red zones you need to watch out for in 2026.

1. The "Death Trap" Highway: US Route 13

While I-95 gets the volume, US 13 gets the crashes.

The stretch running through New Castle County (specifically around the "Split" where it meets US 40) and the segments cutting through Kent County are notorious. The issue is "conflict points." You have cars doing 60 mph mixing with cars trying to turn right into a Wawa or left across a median.

The Danger Zone:

• The Statistic: US 13 consistently ranks as having the highest number of fatal crashes per mile in the state.
• The Local Take: "You take your life in your hands trying to cross 13 on foot, and if you're driving, you have to watch for people pulling out of shopping centers without looking. It’s the Wild West." — New Castle Resident via Reddit

2. The Intersection List: 3 Spots to Watch

Data from 2024 and 2025 has highlighted three intersections that are putting up scary numbers.

A. The "Student Trap": Ogletown Rd & Library Ave (Newark)

If you drive near the University of Delaware, you know this spot.

• Why it’s dangerous: It’s a mix of confused parents, aggressive college drivers, and heavy pedestrian foot traffic. The sightlines are poor, and the lane shifts catch drivers off guard.
• The Risk: Fender benders are almost daily occurrences here, but pedestrian strikes are the real fear.

B. The "Southern Hazard": US 13 & Norman Eskridge Hwy (Seaford)

This intersection in Sussex County has recently climbed the ranks to become one of the absolute worst in the state for total crash volume.

• Why it’s dangerous: It sits right in a commercial hub where beach traffic meets local shoppers. The speed limit is high, but the traffic signals stop traffic abruptly, leading to a high volume of severe rear-end collisions.

C. The "Stroad" Nightmare: Kirkwood Hwy & Limestone Rd (Marshallton)

This intersection is legendary in Delaware. It is the meeting point of two massive "stroads" (street/road hybrids).

• The problem: It is massive, confusing, and aggressive. With multiple turn lanes and cars trying to beat the yellow light across eight lanes of traffic, T-bone accidents here are common and devastating.

3. The "Summer Scramble": Route 1

While not always the deadliest year-round, Route 1 deserves a special warning for the upcoming season.

From May to September, the stretch from Dover to Rehoboth effectively becomes a parking lot that moves at 60 mph. The "Accordian Effect" (stop-and-go traffic) near the drawbridge in Lewes causes massive pileups every summer weekend.

Police Warning: The Delaware State Police frequently issue advisories about distracted driving on this stretch. The number one cause of accidents here isn't weather; it's drivers looking at their phones while traffic comes to a sudden halt.

How to Survive the Commute

• Avoid the Left Lane on US 13: Locals know that the left lane is often blocked by cars trying to use the median U-turns. Stick to the middle.
• Watch the "Yellow Trap" on Kirkwood: The lights are long, but the intersections are wide. Don't try to squeeze through a late yellow at Limestone Road.
• Stay Alert in Seaford: If you are driving south to the beaches, don't zone out when you hit Seaford. The lights on 13 will catch you.

Delaware State