WESTCHESTER COUNTY, NY — A deadly collision on one of New York’s most notorious highways has claimed the lives of four people, reinforcing the Taconic State Parkway’s grim reputation as one of America’s most feared roads.
The crash occurred Wednesday near mile marker 9.2 in the Town of New Castle, Westchester County. Authorities say a Sprinter van traveling southbound on the parkway crossed the center median and entered the northbound lanes, colliding with another vehicle in a devastating two-vehicle crash.
All four victims died at the scene, marking one of the deadliest accidents on the Taconic State Parkway in recent years.
The Taconic’s Dangerous Legacy
The Taconic State Parkway, stretching over 104 miles between Kensico Dam and Chatham, has long been the focus of safety concerns. A recent study listed it as the #7 most feared road in America, and the second-most feared in New York State.
Data shows that in just a three-year period, the Taconic was the site of over 2,000 accidents, many resulting in serious injuries or fatalities. Its winding curves, narrow lanes, limited visibility, and the absence of medians or barriers in some sections contribute to its reputation as a high-risk roadway.
The parkway, originally designed in the 1920s and 30s for lighter, slower vehicles, now struggles to accommodate the larger, faster-moving traffic of today. Despite updates and efforts to improve safety, deadly crashes continue to occur with alarming frequency.
A Deadly Pattern Across New York’s Roads
The Taconic isn’t alone in its deadly record. The same study ranked several other New York roads among the most dangerous and feared nationwide:
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#2 Interstate 90 (I-90): Noted for lake-effect snow near Lake Erie that creates hazardous winter conditions and frequent road closures.
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#8 State Route 17: A 397-mile highway stretching across southern New York, which saw a fatal crash in Sullivan County earlier this week.
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#15 New York State Thruway: Spanning nearly 570 miles, it recorded 11 fatal accidents resulting in 14 deaths in 2022 alone.
Calls for Safety Reforms
Following Wednesday’s tragedy, local officials and safety advocates are once again urging for increased safety measures on the Taconic. Suggestions include:
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Adding concrete median barriers in high-accident zones
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Increasing signage and visibility
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Implementing stricter enforcement of speed limits
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Conducting more frequent safety audits
The victims’ identities have not yet been released as authorities notify family members. New York State Police are investigating the crash and asking for any witnesses to come forward.
A Stark Reminder
This latest incident is a sobering reminder of the danger many New Yorkers face on their daily commutes. As roadways age and traffic increases, updating infrastructure and raising public awareness become crucial in preventing future tragedies.
The Hudson Valley community mourns the loss of four lives and waits for answers. In the meantime, drivers are urged to exercise caution—especially on roads like the Taconic, where one moment of error can have fatal consequences.
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