In recent years, Connecticut has experienced a troubling increase in traffic fatalities, reversing decades of progress in roadway safety. This post-pandemic trend, highlighted by U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy and other state leaders, demands urgent action to address the growing dangers on Connecticut roads.
CT traffic fatalities are rising post-pandemic
According to a recent Hartford Courant article, traffic fatalities peaked in 2022 with 366 deaths and remain alarmingly high in 2024. Reckless driving, distracted driving, and speeding have been identified as major contributors to this crisis, endangering motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists alike.
Statewide efforts to improve safety
According to the Courant, Connecticut’s response to this crisis includes adopting the Safe Systems Approach, which focuses on engineering safer roadways, educating the public, and enhancing enforcement. Efforts include upgrading pedestrian infrastructure, installing thermal detection cameras on highway off-ramps, and expanding speed camera programs in work zones. These initiatives seek to protect vulnerable road users and reduce traffic-related injuries and deaths.
What can drivers do to protect others?
While road improvements are important, drivers must recognize their responsibility. Often, careless or reckless behavior is found to be the cause of serious and fatal car accidents. Here are tips for Connecticut drivers to avoid crashes:
- Stay focused and eliminate distractions: Always pay full attention to driving. Avoid texting, eating, or other activities that divert your focus from the road.
- Follow speed limits and adjust for conditions: Abide by posted speed limits and reduce your speed in adverse weather, heavy traffic, or construction zones to maintain control and reaction time.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Regularly check your mirrors and blind spots. Stay vigilant for pedestrians, cyclists, and other vehicles, especially at intersections.
- Maintain a safe following distance: Keep at least a three-second gap between your car and the vehicle in front of you. This provides adequate time to react to sudden stops.
- Yield and be predictable: Always yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and use signals to indicate lane changes or turns. This helps others anticipate your actions and avoid confusion.
If another driver causes an accident, you may face a serious injury. A family might lose a loved one. In the event of a serious injury or death, a Connecticut car accident lawyer can provide essential support.
How a Connecticut car accident attorney can help
For victims of traffic accidents or families who have lost loved ones, navigating the legal system can be overwhelming. That's when having an experienced car accident lawyer can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case. If you were injured in a crash involving negligence, an attorney can help by:
- Investigating how the accident happened: Lawyers gather critical evidence, such as police reports, traffic camera footage, and eyewitness testimony.
- Negotiating with insurance companies: Insurance adjusters often try to minimize payouts so they can save the insurance company money. A car accident attorney fights to ensure that victims receive fair compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and other related losses.
- Pursuing justice for fatal accidents: In wrongful death cases, car accident lawyers help grieving families secure financial relief for funeral expenses and emotional damages while holding negligent parties accountable.
Injured in a CT crash? Contact the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli today.
If you were injured or a loved one died in a Connecticut car accident, the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli is here to help. Our experienced legal team understands the complexities of personal injury cases in Connecticut and is dedicated to securing justice for crash victims and their families.
To learn how we can help with your potential legal case, contact us today for a free consultation.