Accident Hotspots Near Duncannon & Buc-ee’s (I-75 Exit 83): What Richmond, KY Drivers Should Know

Traffic around I-75 Exit 83 (Duncannon Lane/KY-2872) has exploded since the travel-center boom at this interchange. With interstate speeds meeting local turns, short merge lanes, and lots of out-of-town visitors, small mistakes can snowball into fender-benders—or worse. This guide highlights several accident-prone spots near Duncannon and Buc-ee’s, explains why they’re risky, and shares practical tips to get through them safely. If you or a family member is hurt in a crash here, Morrin Law Office is here to help you understand your options and protect your rights.

Local context: Duncannon Lane is a state route (KY-2872) managed by KYTC District 7, which includes Madison County. The Buc-ee’s store sits just off Exit 83 at 1013 Buc-ee’s Blvd, Richmond, KY 40475.

Quick Map (for reference)

If you’re reading this on our website, you’ll see a simple map with pins for each hotspot. Each pin includes why the spot is risky and how to drive it safely.

The Top Duncannon Lane Hotspots (and how to handle them)

1) I-75 Off-Ramps at Exit 83 → Duncannon Lane (KY-2872)

Why it’s risky: Drivers decelerate fast from interstate speeds into local traffic that’s already slowing for turns into nearby businesses. Short weaving sections and last-second lane changes increase rear-end and side-swipe risks, especially when large trucks are involved.

Drive it safely:

• Commit to your exit early and signal sooner than usual.

• Keep extra space in front of you—braking can ripple backward quickly.

• If you miss a turn lane, continue past and loop back rather than darting across.

If a crash happens here: Move to a safe shoulder if possible, call 911, and photograph vehicle positions and the gore/merge area before vehicles are moved (only if safe).

2) Duncannon Lane entrances serving major businesses (including Buc-ee’s)

Why it’s risky: Heavy left-turn pressure, frequent pedestrians, and very large vehicles produce wide turning paths. Out-of-state visitors may be unfamiliar with the approach, and traffic can back up into the through lane.

Drive it safely:

• Slow earlier than you think; expect turning traffic and pedestrians.

• Make eye contact with drivers emerging from entrances; don’t assume they see you.

• Avoid blocking entrances when queues form—leave a gap.

Note: Local news has periodically reported incidents near the main entrance; treat the area with caution, particularly when signals are flashing or out during an active response.

3) On-ramps to I-75 from Duncannon Lane

Why it’s risky: Short acceleration lanes plus truck traffic require decisive merging. Drivers who hesitate or try to “force” a merge at the last cone risk sideswipes or road-edge departures.

Drive it safely:

• Use the full ramp to build speed; match interstate traffic before merging.

• Signal early, check mirrors/blind spots twice, and avoid last-second lane changes.

• If you can’t merge safely, continue down the ramp shoulder to a safe stop rather than forcing it.

4) Duncannon Lane (KY-2872) approaching US-25

Why it’s risky: Speed differentials, turn pockets, and visibility constraints as you approach US-25 create abrupt stops. When volumes spike, minor rear-end collisions are common.

Drive it safely:

• Cover the brake when queues form; leave at least a 3-second following gap.

• Watch for vehicles darting from side streets and driveways.

• Avoid aggressive lefts across multiple lanes—take a safer right-then-U-turn if needed.

Road work note: KYTC has scheduled improvements and maintenance on KY-2872 in recent seasons; when work is active, expect temporary lane shifts and changed traffic patterns. Slow down and follow posted guidance.

Why crashes cluster here

• Speed + volume spikes: Interstate traffic meets local stop-and-go within a few hundred feet.

• Weaving & late exits: Drivers cross multiple lanes quickly to reach an entrance or gas pump queue.

• Distraction: Phones, passengers, and “where do I turn?” moments.

• Large-vehicle dynamics: Trucks need more space for braking and turning—misjudgments cause squeeze-plays.

• Signal or work-zone changes: Temporary outages or lane closures confuse unfamiliar drivers.

How to drive Duncannon area like a local

• Plan your approach. Choose your lane early; don’t improvise at 50–70 mph.

• Signal sooner, brake sooner. Expect sudden slowdowns and long turn queues.

• Give trucks room. Never hang alongside a trailer through a merge or turn.

• Don’t block entrances. Leave openings so side traffic can clear and congestion doesn’t cascade.

• If signals are flashing/out: Treat it as a four-way stop unless officers direct otherwise; proceed one car at a time.

• If you’re new to the area: Pass your destination and return safely rather than forcing a risky maneuver.

What to do after a crash (step-by-step)

• Check for injuries & call 911. Report your precise location (e.g., “I-75 SB off-ramp to Duncannon” or “entrance near Buc-ee’s”).

• Get to safety if vehicles are drivable; set hazards/triangles.

• Document the scene: Photos of vehicle damage, lane positions, debris, skid marks, traffic lights/signs, weather, and business entrances/driveways.

• Exchange information and get witness contacts.

• Seek same-day medical care, even if you feel “fine.” Many injuries surface later.

• Request the official report when eligible. In Richmond, reports are released under KRS 189.635 to parties, their guardians/insurers, or their attorneys.

• Call Morrin Law Office before recorded statements. We’ll explain your rights and next steps.

How Morrin Law Office helps after a Richmond-area crash

• Local knowledge of the I-75 corridor & Duncannon traffic patterns.

• Hands-on evidence gathering: photos, business-camera requests, roadway design/maintenance records where relevant.

• Communication with insurers so you can focus on medical care.

• No upfront fees—we’re paid only if we recover compensation for you.

Free consultation: (859) 358-0300 • 214 W Main St, Richmond, KY 40475

FAQs

Who investigates crashes here?
Depending on the exact location, the Richmond Police Department, Madison County Sheriff’s Office, or Kentucky State Police may respond. Your report will indicate the agency and how to request a copy.

How do I get a copy of my crash report?
Parties to the collision (or their parents/guardians, insurers, or attorneys) can request it following Kentucky’s release rules under KRS 189.635. Directions and eligibility details are on the City of Richmond website.

Are there reliable sources for Kentucky crash trends?
Yes. Public dashboards and annual reports are available through the Kentucky Office of Highway Safety and the Kentucky State Police (Collision Analysis), which aggregate data from law-enforcement reports statewide.

Is Buc-ee’s the “cause” of crashes?
No single business “causes” every crash. Collisions typically stem from a mix of driver behavior, traffic volume, roadway design, and moment-to-moment conditions. We keep the focus on safety and accountability under Kentucky law.

What if the other driver is from out of state?
This area attracts travelers. Kentucky law still applies to wrecks that happen here. We routinely help visitors and locals navigate claims.

Do I have a deadline to file a claim?
Yes—deadlines can be short and depend on the type of claim and coverage involved. Talk with an attorney as soon as possible so evidence doesn’t go stale and your rights are protected.

A note about sources and safety

• Road ownership & maintenance: Duncannon Lane (KY-2872) is a state route within KYTC District 7, which covers Madison County.

• Business location context: Buc-ee’s Richmond sits just off I-75 Exit 83 at 1013 Buc-ee’s Blvd.

• Work-zone & operations: KYTC advisories and resurfacing projects periodically affect Duncannon; slow down and follow posted guidance.

• Crash references: For statewide trends and definitions, see the Kentucky Traffic Collision Facts and KSP Collision Analysis portals.

Disclaimer

This article is for general information and safety awareness, not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Case results depend on facts unique to each matter; no guarantees are made.