Posted on August 05, 2022 in Car Accidents

Even though summer offers some excellent opportunities for exploring the country in your car, truck or SUV, summertime driving can be particularly risky. In fact, according to AAA, the period from Memorial Day to Labor Day is one of the deadlier times for U.S. drivers.

Even though you have no control over the actions of other motorists, you can take steps to keep yourself and your family safe during summer road trips. Here are three safety tips you should implement during your warm-weather travels.

1. Check your tires

Extreme heat can wreak havoc on your car’s tires. In fact, when temperatures climb, your tires may stretch, warp, degrade or blow. Therefore, before you drive during the hot summer months, you should inspect your tires for visible signs of damage. If you see any, you should delay your trip until you can repair the problem.

2. Inspect your backseat

Your car’s internal temperature can climb quickly during the summer. You do not want to be a parent who accidentally leaves one of your kids inside a sweltering vehicle. Consequently, when you reach your destination, always check your backseat for a sleeping or quiet child.

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 Posted on July 29, 2022 in Car Accidents

Whenever drivers take to the roads in Connecticut, they should always use caution. In some areas, though, they might want to exercise even more diligence as certain roadways in and around Bridgeport and New Haven see a greater share of car crashes.

High historic rates of crashes in certain areas increase the likelihood of a collision that could cause property damage and personal injury.

Dangerous New Haven intersections

According to a FOX 61 report, several intersections in this community have shown up on the most dangerous roads in the state. The intersection at Ella T Grasso Blvd. and Columbus Avenue shows a high incidence of motor vehicle accidents, with as many as 39 crashes in one recent year.

Quinnipiac Avenue and Foxon Blvd., also proved dangerous for drivers, with as many as 37 crashes in one year. A third intersection on Ella T Grasso Blvd., this time at the connection of Route 10 and Derby Avenue, also saw a high level of accidents. Not all accidents involved serious personal injuries, but all involved some level of property damage to the vehicles.

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 Posted on July 27, 2022 in Car Accidents

There is nothing more terrifying for a driver than seeing another vehicle coming directly at you. When two cars approach each other at high speeds, there is little to no chance of a driver being able to react in a way that will prevent a crash.

Head-on collisions can be among the most devastating auto accidents imaginable, and they can commonly occur because of wrong-way drivers. In the state of Connecticut, this type of deadly crash might become more and more frequent as time goes on.

How common are wrong-way crashes in Connecticut?

The growing trend of wrong-way crashes is evident in the number of yearly fatalities. As of June 5, data shows 17 deaths in 2022 as a result of wrong-way crashes. This is more than double the number of wrong-way fatalities seen in previous years.

What is the cause of an increase in wrong-way crashes?

Wrong-way crashes typically occur because a driver is under the influence of alcohol or other substances. While impaired, it is more likely for an individual to stray across clearly marked traffic lines and drive against oncoming vehicles. It stands to reason that an increase in wrong-way crashes could correlate with a possible increase in alcohol consumption and drunk-driving statistics.

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 Posted on July 20, 2022 in Car Accidents

Summer is the perfect time for road trips, with the kids out of school and the weather nice and warm. However, it is important to make sure your vehicle is in good working order before heading out.

Taking the time to perform the proper maintenance helps prevent unnecessary breakdowns and ensures the car is running safely to minimize the chances of getting in a wreck.

1. Check tires

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, you should inspect your tires at least every month and before you take your vehicle out for a long trip. Check the pressure and inflate to the recommended pressure. Inspect the tread and replace tires that have lost most of it. You should also make sure your spare tire is in good working order.

2. Check and replenish fluid levels

For safe operation, you should make sure all the fluid levels, such as the oil, brake, power steering, windshield washer and automatic transmission, are at the proper levels. Also make sure you have enough coolant, as you will be using the air conditioning a lot.

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 Posted on July 18, 2022 in Motorcycle Accidents

Now that the weather has grown warmer, motorcyclists will likely get back on the road to enjoy the lovely days. Though riding is exhilarating for many, it can also be very dangerous.

Here are three tips to help keep you safe as you get back on your bike this summer.

1.  Wear protective gear

Before hopping on your bike, ensure that you put on appropriate safety gear. This includes wearing bright colors so other drivers can see you easily. You can also consider wearing a helmet, which is optional in Connecticut. Full-face helmets provide coverage for your entire face and head. Additional safety items include long pants and jackets made of strong fabric, gloves and boots.

2. Follow the rules of the road

Remember that you are operating a motorized vehicle and remain aware of your surroundings and the other vehicles on the road. Obey all traffic laws for your safety and the safety of others on the roadway. Refrain from weaving in and out of lanes even when you have the room to do so.

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 Posted on May 26, 2022 in Motorcycle Accidents

More riders pull their bikes out of storage and hit the road as the weather warms up. If you’re a motorcycle enthusiast, summer may be one of the most enjoyable times.

However, if you do not put motorcycle safety first, the consequences may be severe.

The hazards motorcyclists face

In 2019 alone, over 5,000 motorcyclists died in fatal accidents. When riding, your vehicle takes up less space on the road and some motorists may miss you. While passenger vehicle drivers have an obligation to pay attention to their surroundings, they may struggle to see you if you weave in and out of traffic. When sharing the road helps both parties to have an understanding of their limits.

The precautions necessary to ride safely

If you want to ride safely, you need a DOT-compliant helmet. DOT-compliant helmets have a symbol on the back of the helmet. In addition to helmets, ensure you have appropriate safety gear to protect against road rash. Consider bright and reflective clothing if you worry about visibility, especially if you ride at night.

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 Posted on May 24, 2022 in Car Accidents

It is the time of year once again when high schoolers go to prom and graduate. If you have a teenager in your family, he or she may have been planning a festive party for months. Before hosting a party at your home, though, you should know about the liability Connecticut law imposes on social hosts.

As you know, it is not uncommon for teenagers to want to drink alcohol at parties. If you provide the alcohol or the place for its consumption, you may be legally responsible for any damages a drunk teenage driver causes.

Providing alcohol to minors

In the Constitution State, it is a misdemeanor offense to knowingly or recklessly provide alcohol to those under the age of 21. According to Yale University, if you purchase booze for your underage teen and his or her friends or allow them to drink at your home, prosecutors may file criminal charges against you. They also may charge you for not securing your liquor cabinet.

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 Posted on May 16, 2022 in Car Accidents

You might feel a mix of pride and trepidation watching your children grow up through their teens. That trepidation might turn to terror the first time they get behind the wheel of a one-ton vehicle! It takes a lot of time to develop safe driving habits and they have zero practice.

As a parent, it is a lot to handle. With the right lessons and reminders though, you may provide your teenager the tools they need to safely drive while they develop those habits.

Safety rules to follow

One way to instill good muscle memory is to encourage a routine when your teenager gets behind the wheel. Have them go through the usual checks: mirrors, seat position and—most importantly—their seatbelt. According to Connecticut Children’s Hospital, teen drivers are the least likely age group to wear seatbelts.

Another big step in this routine, especially with smartphones and social media as prevalent as they are, is curbing their distractions. Have them either turn their phone off during trips or, if they use it for music while driving, place it in a safe place where it does not draw focus.

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 Posted on May 11, 2022 in Bicycle Accidents

As the weather gets warmer in Connecticut, more people ride their bicycles for exercise or to travel between home and work. This makes May the perfect time of year for Bicycle Safety Month.

If you ride a bicycle, you know that preventing getting into an accident on busy roadways is a top concern. Here are some ways to stay safe while cycling.

Wear a helmet

Wearing a helmet is one of the simplest things you can do to protect yourself should you get into an accident. However, many people simply do not wear one, either due to perceived comfort issues or for some other reason. Wearing a well-fitted helmet can make the difference between life and death for a cyclist.

Know the rules

If you are riding on public roads with vehicle traffic, you must follow the rules of the road. This includes:

• Stopping for stop signs
• Riding with the flow of traffic
• Making turn signals with your arms and hands

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 Posted on April 14, 2022 in Car Accidents

You are about to rent a vehicle and the agent asks you if you want to purchase rental car insurance. Should you pay more? Is it worth it? These are common questions to ask before you decide to add an extra charge to your rental car bill.

Do you really need it? The short answer is yes.

Here are 5 reasons why you should purchase rental car insurance:

1. Your personal auto insurance may not cover rental vehicles.

Before you rent a vehicle, review the terms of your own auto insurance to be certain that you have coverage for a rental car. While your policy may provide liability coverage for rental vehicles, you should check to see if it extends collision or comprehensive coverage  to the rental vehicle. If it doesn’t, you need rental insurance to cover the cost of repairing any damage to the rental vehicle.

2. You don’t own a car and don’t have auto insurance.

If you don’t own a car and rent a vehicle without purchasing rental insurance, you are in violation of Connecticut law if you operate the rental vehicle.  Also, if you have an accident with personal injuries and property damage, you may be personally liable for the damages.

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