When you’re driving to work, home or school, you want to know that you’re going to be safe. Most of the time, you don’t think about getting into a car accident; you might even think it could never happen to you. The truth of the matter is that crashes take place every day, and there are risks on the roads.
As the holidays approach this fall and winter, it’s important to be safe. Connecticut had 234 fatal crashes reported in 2014, and 2016 could have as many as that or more. With 248 people killed in those accidents in 2014, there’s proof that accidents aren’t a thing of the past. You still need to be cautious of other drivers and careful when you drive.
Car occupants made up 44 percent of the fatalities in 2014, followed by motorcyclists at 19 percent and pedestrians at 19 percent. How can you help prevent an accident? Make sure you slow down when pedestrians might be near. Double check your mirrors, so you don’t miss a motorcyclist who could be in your blind spot. Don’t speed, and be certain to keep a good distance between you and the car ahead of you, so you can slow and stop without having to slam on your brakes.
Taking simple precautions can help you make the roads a little safer for yourself and others this holiday season. If you are involved in a crash, take some time to get the medical care you need. You can reach out to file a claim within a few days of your accident, so you can begin to work toward a settlement.
Source: Insurance Institute for Highway Safety Highway Loss Data Institute, “General Statistics,” accessed Nov. 15, 2016