According to The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), Connecticut roads witness about 110,000 car accidents annually. These crashes vary both in intensity and severity, but in all cases the physical, mental, and financial consequences can severely affect victims. Read on to understand factors that contribute to the high rates of car accidents in the Constitution State.
Table of Contents
Most Accidents Occur When the Driver is Distracted
Distracted driving represents anything that takes your attention away from the primary activity of driving. It includes switching to your favorite radio show, reading a text from your colleague, or even staring at the new billboard that just came up on your route to work. Many people unconsciously get distracted because of how mundane driving has become. They believe they can multitask.
Your Mind Cannot Multitask
According to Dr. Paul Hammerness and Margaret Moore, authors of Organize Your Mind, Organize Your Life, multitasking increases the chances of making a mistake as your brain juggles performing two tasks simultaneously.
Our simple attempts at multitasking have the potential to turn into serious mistakes. Remember, you’re not Superman; your brain needs time to process information before stimulating a reaction. When multitasking while driving, the brain has limited time to toggle between tasks and process the incoming danger.
Furthermore, the margin of error in accidents is often only a microsecond. Ensuring you are fully engaged in driving at all times is, therefore, the only solution to avoid accidents.
Driving Under the Influence
According to the NHTSA, driving under the influence increases the chances of an accident by 40%. In addition to blocking the communication pathways in your brain, alcohol induces sleep, disrupts judgment, and reduces reaction time.
Fatigue, Inexperience, and Error in Judgment
Learn to acknowledge when you are tired while driving. Take a nap, take a break, or switch between drivers for long-distance drives. Similar to DUI, driving while tired might also reduce your reaction time and increase your chances of sleeping at the wheel.
In addition, inexperience and error in judgment go together. Experienced drivers know that there are some skills, such as car handling, driver etiquette, and reaction to the dangers you may encounter on the road, that new drivers may need to learn.
What if the Accident is Not My Fault?
Sometimes accidents occur by no fault of your own. For example, a deer suddenly jumping on the road may leave you little to no time to hit the brakes and avoid colliding with it.
Other instances when the accident may not be your fault include mechanical failures. A common explanation for high-speed accidents is loss of control and brake failure. You are advised to regularly service your car to ensure functionalities are in optimal working condition. Consider visiting a mechanic to check basic functions, especially before taking long drives.
In Case of Bad Weather, Postpone That Trip
Lastly, you cannot predict the effect and impact of weather. Consider the severity of being caught in a storm; now imagine the additional dangers and complications that could arise if an accident were to occur during such adverse weather conditions.
A majority of car pile-up accidents occur in bad weather. These often leave victims with serious injuries. Therefore, consider postponing your trip if the weather is unsuitable.
Filing Personal Injury Claim
“If you believe another party was responsible for an accident, you can file a lawsuit seeking compensation. The primary objective of this process is to identify the liable party and recover damages,” explains attorney Mike A. D’Amico of D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer is crucial as they will advise you on rights and interests, assist in proving liability, help you compute the sum of your claim, negotiate with the insurer for maximum settlement, and represent you in case your claim goes to trial.
Conclusion
This blog has explained the most common factors behind most car accidents today. Concentrating, avoiding drinking before driving, getting enough rest, and regular car maintenance can help avoid accidents. If you’ve been injured in a road crash, seek counsel from a qualified Connecticut personal injury attorney for maximum compensation.
