Intense Memorial Day Weekend On Connecticut’s Roads Spotlights Safety Concerns For This Summer

Being just a few weeks removed from a very busy Memorial Day weekend on the roads of Connecticut for state police, it is important that we take a minute to look back on what activities were deemed dangerous and how they can be avoided as we head into a busy summer season of traveling.  While no New Haven auto accident can ever be completely prevented, knowing what behaviors are happening and putting drivers and passengers at risk can be informative for how to keep yourself safe when you’re out enjoying the summer months.

First let’s get to the facts from Memorial Day weekend as reported by the Connecticut State Police;

1.) State police received nearly 4,500 calls in a 3-day weekend span of time.

2.) There were 500 speeding citations issued in that window.

3.) 250 car crashes were reported that resulted in 25 reported injuries

4.) 483 hazardous moving violations were issues – this included unsafe lane changes, following too closely and more.

5.) There were 186 seat belt violations.

6.) Nearly 30 arrests for driving under the influence.

Knowing these statistics is important to understand the traffic flow around holiday weekends as there are many more coming up over the summer months including, in just a few short weeks, the 4th of July (while not a weekend this year – it will certainly be a time of heightened activity for state police on Connecticut’s roads.)  To help keep you safe and avoid being involved in any of this activity, here are a few reminders for driving at all times, but especially during holidays.

Tip #1: Always wear your seat belt.  One of the most effective things you can do to keep yourself and your passengers safe is to wear your seat belt while driving.  In the event that an accident were to occur it could be the difference between getting a few scratches and bruises or being injured to the point of needing emergency medical care.

Tip #2: Obey the speed limit.  Excessive speed is one of the biggest indicators of how severe an accident is when it occurs.  If you are traveling at the speed limit you are more likely to experience less severe injuries than those who are driving over the speed limit.  Excessive speed has an out sized impact on the severity of an accident and avoiding it will keep you and those you are with much safer.

Tip #3: Stay off the roads late at night.  At all times, but especially at times when there are late night celebrations happening (including fireworks) being on the road at night can be a dangerous activity that could lead to a deadly accident.  If you can avoid driving after 10pm on most nights then you will keep yourself and your passengers safe.  While not all deadly activity on Connecticut’s roads happen after 10pm, this is a good rule of thumb to stay off the road when people have been drinking or are drowsy when they are driving.

There is no magic solution to avoiding a New Haven auto accident, especially during a holiday weekend, but taking some of these tips is one way to give yourself a better chance to avoid an accident.  If you follow these tips and encourage those you are with to do the same, you will be doing your part to keep the roads safe for all who are using them during holiday weekends.

Of course, accidents do happen and when they do we are here for you to help protect your long-term interests.  Contact one of our experienced attorneys who may be able to speak with you about your particular situation.

Celebrate safe and responsibly this summer!