It doesn’t matter how careful you try to be; there is always the risk that you will be involved in a car accident each time you get behind the wheel. Distracted, dangerous, and reckless drivers put every other driver on the road at risk for a serious accident and severe injuries.
While this is true, it may be possible to reduce the potential of being involved in an accident if you know what the leading causes of accidents are in Connecticut.
It’s also important to remember that if you are involved in a car accident, contacting our legal team at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers is recommended to help ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Keep reading to learn about the leading causes of car accidents in Connecticut.
1. Speeding
Speeding is considered a risky driving habit that has been known to cause serious and catastrophic car accidents. If you happen to drive too fast for the current conditions, it may cause you to lose control of your vehicle. This is especially true if something unexpected happens, like a person or bicyclist stepping into the road. If you speed, it is also going to increase how severe your collision is and may even cause more serious injuries to those involved.
It’s important to note that speeding doesn’t just mean that you have exceeded the speed limit posted on Connecticut roadways. Every time you get on the road, as a driver, you have the responsibility to drive at a rate of speed that is considered safe for the conditions and circumstances. If there is bad weather, like snow or snow, the driver may have to slow down to stay safe.
It’s worth noting there are other actions that may be considered reckless driving, too. These include things like aggressive driving, tailgating, and weaving in and out of traffic.
2. Following Other Drivers too Closely
Another factor that plays a role in around 30% of Connecticut car accidents is following other drivers too closely. Usually, the cause of this is something else, such as aggressive or distracted driving.
One of the best things you can do to help prevent this type of accident is to keep the “three-second rule” in mind. If you are driving behind another vehicle, choose a point ahead that they will pass. This can be a sign, tree, or anything you see. Once the car ahead of you passes the point, count to three Mississippi’s. If you get to three Mississippi’s after you pass the point, then it means you should slow down to give the other driver more space on the road.
3. Not Providing Right of Way to Another Vehicle
It’s estimated that around one out of every eight accidents that occur in Connecticut occur because of drivers not granting the right of way. The specific situation that exists when these accidents occur varies quite a bit. Some common examples of these situations include:
- Turning right at a stoplight
- Issues while merging onto the highway
- Risky or unprotected left turns
- Not yielding to pedestrians
This isn’t a comprehensive list but provides an example of some of the issues that may lead to this type of accident. Also, no matter what the underlying cause of the accident is, it is almost always connected to drivers who aren’t paying attention to their surroundings or careless driving. One of the best ways to prevent this accident is by always practicing defensive driving while behind the wheel. This means taking your time, stopping completely before turning, and anticipating that the other driver may make wrong or dangerous moves.
It’s also a good idea to remember that waiting is always a smart option. You can wait for another vehicle to pass before you turn or go.
4. Drivers Not Paying Attention
Another issue that leads to accidents on Connecticut roadways is driver inattention. In fact, this is a serious problem across the country, with 3,142 people being fatally injured because of these incidents in 2019.
It’s worth noting that this is one accident that is easy to avoid. Drivers who pay attention will be able to prevent hitting other cars or pedestrians. Unfortunately, due to all the distractions that drivers have today, they are more common than ever before.
5. Driving Under the Influence
It is illegal in all 50 states (which means Connecticut is included) to drive while under the influence of any type of intoxicating substance. Unfortunately, there are hundreds of drivers who get on the road every year in Connecticut while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
In 2018, more than 115 people died because of drunk drivers in Connecticut alone. This accounted for around 40% of all the car accident fatalities in the state for the year.
When you get behind the wheel intoxicated, it means you can’t make smart, safe decisions. It also means that you aren’t using good judgment, nor are you able to react quickly to any changing conditions on the road or even remain in physical control of your vehicle. If you are intoxicated, it also increases the possibility of engaging in different reckless driving behaviors, like racing or speeding, which can cause even more serious accidents and increase the risk of fatalities from the accident.
6. Poor or No Vehicle Maintenance
When you start to drive, part of your responsibility is to ensure your vehicle is maintained. This means inspecting your car and making repairs when issues are seen. You need to replace parts that aren’t working and maintain everything from the lights and brakes to your windshield wipers, windows, tires, and more. All of these play a role in keeping you and others safe on the road, and if they aren’t properly maintained, it may result in an increased risk of an accident.
Were You Involved in a Connecticut Car Accident?
If you were involved in a car accident because of one of the factors above, and it is clear that the other party is at fault, you should get in touch with auto accident attorneys at Jonathan Perkins Injury Lawyers. Our team has years of experience and expertise representing cases and clients just like you. When you hire our legal team, you can feel confident that you have a qualified legal team on your side who is going to work to help ensure you recover the compensation you deserve for the injuries and damages you sustained.
Our team will work to gather evidence, investigate the case, talk to witnesses, and more to ensure that we have the proof needed to convince the insurance company for the at-fault party to offer you a fair settlement.
Do you have questions about your Connecticut car accident? Are you ready for us to start investigating your case? If so, contact us to set up a free consultation today. This is the best way to get started with your car accident claim.
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