Impaired Driver Takes Pedestrian’s Life

An incident occurred on the Stratford/Bridgeport lines that involved an impaired driver who struck a pedestrian in broad daylight. After the incident, the pedestrian was killed and the family had to be notified while the driver was taken into custody and charged with a number of violations including driving while impaired.

Incidents like this happen far too often and are heartbreaking. It is critical that all parties involved take action to reduce the incidents of impaired driving and keep all who are sharing the road safe when driving or walking through the area.

While this incident didn’t happen in the Elm City it is a good reminder that with a vibrant downtown scene and many restaurants and bars in the area, a New Haven auto accident similar to this incident could easily occur and lead to the same tragic outcome. While incidents like the one described in Bridgeport can happen at anytime during the day, they are much more likely to happen after dark, so it is important that you keep this in mind if you’re heading out for a night on the town.

When you are operating a vehicle, whatever time of day it is, you should take some precautions to make sure that you are making good choices and keeping yourself and others safe while driving throughout the Elm City. Some of these precautions include the following;

1.) Know when you’ve had enough. If you went out for a lunch with colleagues or friends and have had a drink or two, it’s probably best to grab an Uber instead of trying to drive back to the office. You can leave your car where it is for the time being and once you’ve had a few hours back at the office to make sure you are no longer feeling any effects of the alcohol you consumed at lunch, you can Uber back to your car to take it home.

2.) Walk. New Haven is a very walkable city and if you’re planning on drinking any alcohol at lunch you may decide to just walk to your lunch destination and walk back to your office. This may be desirable in the middle of the summer, so you’ll enjoy the walk almost as much as you’ll enjoy the meal. The Elm City is beautiful this time of the year and a perfect way to keep yourself safe while also enjoying a little fresh air.

3.) Even in the afternoon you should designate a driver. We often think of designated drivers as something we should do when we’re out late at night drinking, but truthfully if your plans involve alcohol at all, you should designate a driver no matter what time of day you’re heading out. It should be even easier to find someone who is willing to skip the afternoon cocktail to drive everyone home safely and keep the spirits high when you return to the office.

An afternoon New Haven auto accident is not as likely as one that would occur at night, but they can still happen and there are some steps you can take to avoid them all together. It is critical that if you are drinking that you do not get behind the wheel of a car to drive anywhere as your reaction times will be slower and your perception of how fast you are going will be weakened. If you are drinking in the afternoon you should take all of the same precautions that you otherwise would if you were out at a party in the evening.

If your situation becomes one where you feel you need an attorney to review the details, contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will speak with you about what happened. We will work with you to understand and then protect your long-term interests.