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 MoreBlog
What 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 MoreWould you confront a distracted driver?
If you're a passenger in a car and notice the driver is texting or otherwise distracted, would you say something? Most people would speak up if the driver is a family member, friend or colleague. A survey by LeithCars.com found that 97.4 percent of people said they would confront a driver who is distracted. Fewer...
Read MoreTypes of crashes that are more likely to result in serious and fatal injuries
There are many ways a crash can occur, but there are several factors that can increase the likelihood of a crash resulting in severe or fatal injuries. Every day, we hear about motorists who are seriously injured or killed on Massachusetts roads. The crashes we hear about in the news can happen to anyone at...
Read MoreCT seeks to beef up bicycle and pedestrian safety in 2021
Lawmakers are looking at 2021 as a year to make roads safer for pedestrians and bicycle riders after looking back at a deadly year. According to NBC Connecticut, at least 52 pedestrians and six cyclists died in Connecticut after getting hit by cars in 2021. In an effort to reduce these accidents, Connecticut lawmaker Rep. Roland...
Read MoreVaping linked to higher respiratory disease risk in large U.S. study
Young adults face a dramatic increase in the risk of respiratory diseases when they use electronic cigarettes, commonly known as vaping, according to a major U.S. study. Researchers found they are more likely to develop asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and suffer other serious health issues. The study, "Association of Electronic Cigarette Use With...
Read MoreThe most dangerous highways in Connecticut
This fall, Popular Mechanics came out with its ranking of the 25 most dangerous highways in the United States. Most of these dangerous roads are located in California, Texas, Colorado, Arizona and the Carolinas, but a major highway here in Connecticut made the list as well. The road in question: I-95, and specifically the 8-mile...
Read MoreWho pays for my car accident case in Massachusetts?
When it comes to car accidents, Massachusetts is a "no-fault state." You've heard the phrase before, but exactly what does it mean? It means your insurance company pays up to $8,000 of your medical expenses and lost wages, no matter who was to blame for the crash. These are known as first-party benefits, defined as...
Read More