Remember being a little kid and trying to get big rigs to honk their horns at you as you drove past? That was fun! But as an adult, you probably know that these drivers need to be paying attention to the road instead.  Because truck drivers can be hampered by blind spots, it’s critical that you take the following steps to help prevent a New Haven truck accident: Leave space. Don’t follow too closely behind a truck because trucks can be slower to stop in an emergency. Similarly, don’t zip in front of one too closely because a truck’s brakes won’t halt the vehicle as quickly as auto brakes can.  Signal. Your blinkers are your way of communicating with other drivers. Always let truck drivers know when you plan to switch lanes. Avoid the truck driver’s blind spots. It’s best to pass trucks on the driver’s side so that they can see you coming. Also, if you can’t see the driver in their side mirror, remember that they can’t see you either. Move quickly out of their blind spots. Make them aware of your presence. Don’t be afraid to let the truck driver know that you are nearby if it seems like they are moving towards your vehicle. Use your horn firmly and swiftly if necessary.   Be a safe driver too. Truck drivers are doing their…continue reading

You’ve been dreaming of a summer day trip for months now. Maybe you’re headed to the beach for a day of lounging or to the mountains for a brisk morning hike. Whatever your plans this summer, make sure to prep your car so that it is safe as you travel. Summertime is full of fun and adventure, so enjoy it – just be safe about it!  Quickly prep your car to avoid road trouble: Look at your battery to make sure that the connections are tight and any corrosion is cleaned off. Summer heat will only make these worse.  Check your coolant so that your engine doesn’t overheat. Be sure to do this while the engine is cool to avoid injury.  Double check that your brakes are working well. If not, take your vehicle in for service: It’s not safe to drive if you can’t stop well.  Be sure that your tires are in good shape and that you have a viable spare tire. Confirm that you have the tools you might need to change a tire packed with you.  Ensure your fluids are topped off, particularly your windshield wiper fluid because the bright summer sun can create a dangerous glare when shining through dirty windows.   If you’re towing extras, like boats and campers, be sure to increase the frequency of oil changes. Have your…continue reading

After being cooped up in the house for so long, we’re all anxious to hit the open road and enjoy a taste of spring freedom! However, to avoid a Connecticut auto accident, make sure to drive safely out there. Safe driving means focused driving, so make sure you skip these distracted driving habits.  Talking on the phone. We see so many cases that are caused by people talking on the phone while behind the wheel. Sure drive time can seem like a good opportunity to catch up with someone you’ve been missing, but a good conversation means connecting with the other person – listening and sharing emotions – which is terribly distracting when you should be paying attention to the road ahead.  Eating and drinking. Eating is another common distracted-driving habit. It only takes tipping up your cup to get that last sip of coffee to block your vision for a split second. If that’s the moment someone steps into the street, you’ve caused an accident.  Tuning the radio. And, of course, there are those pesky radio commercials. Don’t change the station while you’re moving: This takes your eyes off of the road, leaving you unprepared for what might happen next.  Remember, it’s critical that when you’re in control of a car or truck that your focus remains on driving and being aware of your…continue reading