According to the National Safety Council, there were some 40,000 people killed in auto accidents in 2018. In addition, 4.5 million suffered injuries. Drivers in Connecticut should know that they have a responsibility to keep themselves and other road users safe. Below are five simple tips they should keep in mind to fulfill that responsibility.
One of those tips must be followed before drivers even enter their vehicles. It’s to maintain the vehicle, especially the brakes and tires. Drivers should also make sure the airbags are intact and that there are no electrical issues. The rest of the tips have to do with driver behavior.
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Drivers should keep at least one hand on the steering wheel at all times, using both hands when turning or maneuvering out of the way of debris. Third, their hands should never be occupied with their phone. Safety experts discourage hands-free phone use, too, as this can still take a driver’s mind off the road.
Next, drivers should not give in to aggression and impatience. These cloud the judgment and make a crash much more likely. Drivers may even incite others to road rage. The last tip is to avoid drinking and driving. Drunk driving crashes claim some 10,000 lives every year in this country.
Most motor vehicle crashes involve negligence, which can open the way for a personal injury claim. In this state, victims who are 50% or less at fault can be eligible for compensation, but their degree of fault will naturally lower how much they receive. Victims may want a lawyer to help them file their claim and negotiate for a reasonable settlement. If one cannot be achieved out of court, the lawyer may litigate. In the end, victims may have their lost wages, medical expenses and other losses covered.
