Connecticut roads can be extremely dangerous, largely due to a culture of careless and reckless driving.
According to the Connecticut Crash Data Repository, maintained and published by UConn, Connecticut has seen 494,763 crashes from December 28, 2015 to May 26, 2019.
In 2018 alone, there were approximately 303 traffic fatalities across the state. As of July 20, we have already had 122 statewide traffic fatalities in 2019.
What drivers can learn from a near-miss
One Connecticut resident shared her experience with two near misses, stemming from inattentive driving, in The CT Mirror. Both near misses occurred within the last six months of the article being published.
In the first incident, the author says she was nearly struck by a minivan driver who careened through an intersection at a high speed. After honking her horn, the driver of the minivan became aware of the collision risk and swerved off the road.
In the second incident, another driver crossed the double yellow line and nearly struck her while she was stopped. Luckily, the driver managed to quickly swerve onto another road to avoid a crash.
Near misses like this can stay in a person's memory indefinitely. These two incidents prompted the author to alert other drivers to evaluate their driving habits. She offers advice on how incidents like this can be avoided:
- Drive defensively
- Be aware of what's going on around you
- Stay attentive
- Put down the phone
- Reduce your speed in school zones and on rural roads
- Take the lives of others into account
Negligent driving in CT is part of a larger problem
Not all drivers are as fortunate. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that 3,166 people died in 2017 due to distracted driving.
Distracted driving, overall, has increased over the years with the advent of cellphones and other handheld technology. Drivers may be distracted by built-in infotainment systems, GPS devices, and the urge to multitask behind the wheel, as well.
Speeding was also a factor in 9,717 traffic fatalities during the same year. Sadly, this type of behavior is habitual for many drivers, even on winding rural roads or during hazardous road conditions. Drivers who speed tend to have less control of their vehicles, have less time and distance to stop, and inflict greater damage in a crash.
It's unfortunate that many drivers fail to acknowledge how their habits can put others in danger, until it's too late. We see drivers careening down the highway at high speeds, weaving in and out of traffic, or staring at their smartphones.
For some drivers, this is normal. They've been doing it for years and still haven't been involved in a crash. It is important to understand that nobody plans to be involved in a crash. It can happen in the blink of an eye. Those who have made a habit out of driving responsibly shouldn't have to pay the price.
That's why the Connecticut attorneys at the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli are dedicated to fighting for the legal rights of injured motorists. If you were hurt in a crash, we know you did nothing wrong. Our legal team will work tirelessly to help you maximize your compensation, so you don't have to pay for your medical expenses and lost wages out of your own pocket.
Set up your free consultation today by contacting us online.