The UCONN Crash Data Repository looks at statistics relating to Connecticut auto accidents throughout the years and tries to draw conclusions from the data. It’s recent look back at the first half of the year found a stunningly large increase in teen deaths from auto accidents.
While traffic was generally down due to the Coronavirus pandemic and there were significantly less car crashes in the first half of 2020 (37,732) compared to in 2019 during the same period of time (54,245) the number of fatalities overall rose. In 2020 there have been 122 fatalities total, compared to just 98 over the same time last year.
One of the main drivers of this increase was the increased number of fatalities among teen drivers. In 2019, during this same time period there were just 7 teen deaths, while in 2020 there were 15. Certainly, any death is an absolute tragedy, but to see this steep of an incline is of major concern.
If you’re talking to your teen about how to keep them safe while driving, there are some things to stress:
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Always wear a seatbelt
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Never drive while distracted, whether it be from your phone, eating in the car, or passengers, distracted driving is dangerous driving.
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Follow the speed limit - driving above the speed limit has been proven to impact the severity of a car accident
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If you’re too tired to keep your eyes open, don’t get behind the wheel. Whatever it is, it can wait.
While this year has been different in many ways it has certainly proven to be a deadly one on Connecticut roads, despite the reduced traffic. It is a good reminder for all of us to double down our efforts to stay safe while behind the wheel.
If you or a loved one have been in a Connecticut auto accident, contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will review your case.
