Summer in Connecticut is prime motorcycle season. Riders love to get on their bikes, sometimes with a friend on the back, and cruise on warm, sunny days. No one gets on a motorcycle and expects that they may end up in a hospital or worse. But riding motorcycles carries risks. Devastating motorcycle accidents can happen...
Read MoreBlog
Distracted driving on the rise in Massachusetts
One of the best ways to prevent car accidents is to avoid distractions. Don’t use a cell phone while behind the wheel. Don’t eat while driving. Don’t apply makeup. To reduce your risk of a crash, keep your focus on driving and nothing else. Unfortunately, more and more people in Massachusetts are becoming distracted while...
Read MoreUber & Lyft offer incentives for rideshare drivers
During the pandemic, a lot of people decided to stop using rideshare services like those offered by Uber and Lyft. As a result, the companies faced a driver shortage that is continuing through 2021. In April, Uber announced it was launching a $250 million “stimulus” for drivers. Lyft, a rideshare competitor, announced it would cover...
Read MoreWill proposed new laws make MA roads safer?
Anyone using Massachusetts roads faces a risk of injury or death. That’s a grim reality, whether you’re in a car, on a motorcycle, on foot, or riding a bicycle. But can Massachusetts roads become safer? Governor Charlie Baker thinks so. His administration recently filed legislation that focuses on improving road safety. The administration proposes...
Read More6 tips for driving safely in CT work zones
You’re behind the wheel of your car and see bright orange cones ahead followed by a “construction zone” sign. As you get closer, you see workers in hardhats along the side of the road, or even in the road, making repairs. Every driver eventually finds themselves needing to navigate a work zone. Drivers in Connecticut...
Read MoreIs it safe to drive after using marijuana?
With more and more states, including Massachusetts, legalizing recreational use of marijuana, a growing number of drivers are wondering if it’s OK to get behind the wheel after using cannabis. Decades of research have helped guide laws related to alcohol and driving. Studies into the effects of driving under the influence of marijuana are limited...
Read MoreConnecticut pedestrian deaths increased 48% in 2020
Fewer people are driving during the pandemic, but the number of pedestrians getting killed continues to climb. According to the Governors Highway Safety Association, preliminary data from 2020 shows the number of pedestrian fatalities in Connecticut jumped by 48% from 2019 to 2020. There were 21 pedestrian fatalities between January and June 2019. During that...
Read MoreWhat you need to know about the Massachusetts hands-free law
If you’re stopped at a red light, is it legal in Massachusetts to read or send a text? If your answer is “no,” you are correct. As of Feb. 23, 2021, drivers can face fines of $500 for using a mobile device with their hands, even if when stopped at a red light. The state...
Read MoreSpeeding by teens continues to pose a safety threat
The roads have been less congested during the COVID-19 pandemic, but speeding continues to be a deadly problem. According to a report in Family Safety & Health, teen drivers are most likely to ignore speed limits. The report quotes the executive director of the Governors Highway Safety Association, who says the United States has a...
Read MoreDealing with trucking companies and their insurers
If you have been in a traffic accident involving a trucker in Massachusetts, the aftermath could add insult to your injuries because trucking companies are experienced at avoiding blame and costs after a crash. Protecting your interests begins at the accident scene. Here are some steps to preserve your rights: Immediately call law enforcement. The...
Read More