Vermont Business Magazine For many drivers, the most stressful part of a journey doesn’t happen on the highway - it happens when trying to get off it.
Off-ramps are where traffic patterns suddenly shift, decisions have to be made quickly, and small design flaws can create outsized frustration. Short merge lanes, confusing signage, blind curves, last-second lane changes, and backed-up exit queues can all turn a routine exit into a daily flashpoint. These moments often trigger the kind of stress and impatience that lead to risky driving behaviors - from abrupt braking to aggressive lane cutting.
Personal Injury Lawyers, Regan Zambri Long polled 3,011 drivers, asking them to identify the most stressful off-ramps.
Vermont's top 3 were as follows:
#1. I-89 Exit 14 to Williston Road, South Burlington
Traffic approaching this exit often tightens as drivers prepare to enter one of the region’s busiest commercial corridors. Vehicles leaving I-89 encounter signalized intersections positioned close to the ramp, along with steady turning traffic. During daytime travel, cars begin stacking and speeds drop. The ramp can fill sooner than expected as drivers line up for multiple lanes ahead. The transition from interstate movement to local streets happens within a short stretch, and vehicles frequently adjust pace more than once before clearing the junction.
#2. I-91 Exit 1 to Bridge Street, Brattleboro
Serving a key route into downtown Brattleboro, this exit carries consistent local traffic. Vehicles leaving I-91 slow as they approach intersections located not far from the ramp. When volume increases, brake lights appear earlier than anticipated and the ramp fills. Drivers often encounter congestion before reaching the end of the exit lane. The spacing between the interstate and local streets is limited, keeping the flow compressed. Movement tends to occur in short bursts as traffic clears each signal cycle.
#3. I-89 Exit 8 to US-2, Montpelier
Traffic heading into Montpelier converges at this exit, particularly during daytime travel. Vehicles slow as they approach nearby intersections and turning movements. During busy periods, cars stack quickly and the flow tightens. Drivers frequently begin braking sooner than expected. The transition from highway speed to local traffic happens within a short distance, and vehicles often adjust their pace multiple times while approaching the junction.
“These exits aren’t just frustrating - they’re where a lot of collisions happen,” says Patrick Regan of Regan Zambri Long. “When traffic compresses, and drivers are forced to react quickly, it increases the likelihood of rear-end crashes and sudden lane conflicts. From a legal perspective, we see how often these moments escalate.”
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Vermont Business Magazine