Connecticut is rated as relatively average when it comes to motorist safety in the country. In 2021, Connecticut was ranked 16th, ordered by the lowest number of fatalities resulting from car collisions. With about 446 miles of interstate roads and 372 US and State Routes running through the state, motorist safety takes a huge precedence for Connecticut.
Driver negligence is one of the leading factors resulting in fatal car crashes. According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, distracted driving was the highest contributor to crashes in 2022, resulting in 5,200 collisions. Additionally, in 2020, more than 3,100 fatalities were caused by distracted driving, which is approximately 8% of the total fatal crashes in the state.
Though most roads in the state have recorded several crashes, other roads are infamous for high fatality rates and collisions. These are some of the most dangerous roads in Connecticut:
In case of an accident in Connecticut, drivers should follow these procedures to lessen potential accidents and property losses:
In a collision, drivers should safely drive the car to a safe lane or the side of the road. High-traffic interstate roadways increase the risk of multi-vehicle collisions due to potential visibility restrictions and adverse weather conditions.
Drivers should then engage their vehicle's hazard lights, signaling potential danger to approaching drivers. For enhanced visibility, particularly in adverse weather conditions, drivers should consider using roadside flares, cones, or flags. However, drivers should place traffic control devices at a safe distance from the crash to provide ample reaction time for passing motorists.
The state prohibits anyone involved in a traffic collision from fleeing the scene. Drivers should remain at the crash site until instructed otherwise.
Individuals should check if any people have suffered injury in the crash. In case of a serious injury, people should not move the patient but call a medical emergency team to assist.
Though drivers are not obligated to call the police, any crash that results in injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,000 should be reported within five days. If a police officer arrives at the scene, drivers should cooperate with them to ensure their report accurately reflects the events.
Drivers involved in an accident should document the names and contact information of all other parties, including passengers, witnesses, and emergency personnel attending the scene.
Drivers should photograph the collision. They could be used as references to determine the cause of the crash and as evidence in judicial procedures or insurance claims.
The state requires all individuals involved in a traffic collision to exchange their information. These include names, addresses, insurance details, license information, and car registrations. If the driver does not own the car, they should provide the owner’s name and address.
For the best legal outcome, it is recommended that drivers seek assistance from attorneys to ensure their rights are not violated.
If a driver wants to file an insurance claim seeking compensation, they should notify their insurance company.
Drivers should keep essential documents in case of legal proceedings. These documents include police statements, reports, and insurance information.
Every driver must understand the state’s traffic laws to prevent accidents and save lives on the road. These laws include:
Hands-Off LawThe state prohibits using handheld devices in the car, including if the vehicle has stopped in traffic or at a stop sign or stop light.
Drivers over 18 are allowed to use hands-free devices to answer calls.
Drivers between 16 and 17 are prohibited from using handheld and hands-free devices.
Drivers are exempt from the law in case of an emergency or drivers 18 years or older working in emergency response.
Seatbelt LawSeat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants.
For children younger than two years or who weigh less than 30 pounds, their seats must be facing the car’s rear.
Children aged five to eight must be in a child safety seat or booster seat that meets safety standards.
Children aged eight who cannot fit in a booster seat must use a lap and shoulder belt.
Children aged 13 should always ride in the back seat.
Teenage Driving Laws
In the state, the legal age for driving is 16 years. Students must take a driving course and pass both vision and written tests.
Teenage drivers must have completed at least 40 hours of behind-the-wheel training before applying for a license.
The state does not allow minor drivers to have a passenger unless it is a driving instructor who is at least 20 years old with a valid driving license.
Teen drivers are restricted from driving between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. unless assigned a driver in the Safe Ride Program, or the minor driver travels for work, school, a medical emergency, or religious activity.
MotorcyclistsRiders aged 16 and 17 must always wear helmets on roads.
Riders should use the right lane if the highway's maximum speed limit exceeds the maximum speed of their motor-driven cycle.
The state prohibits drivers aged 16 and 17 from carrying passengers for six months after receiving their motorcycle endorsement. Additionally, drivers aged 18 or older are prohibited from carrying passengers for 90 days after their endorsement.
Lane Camping
On multi-lane highways within the state, the left lane is designated exclusively for overtaking or passing other vehicles.
Vehicles occupying the left lane should maintain a speed exceeding traffic in the right lane.
Vehicle
Registration and InsuranceAll vehicles must maintain minimum liability insurance coverage. This protects drivers financially in case of accidents caused by the driver.
Impaired DrivingFor drivers aged 21 and older, operating a vehicle with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) exceeding 0.08% constitutes a DUI offense.
For drivers under 21, their BAC should be lower than .02% while driving.
Move Over LawThe state requires all drivers on a road or highway to slow down to a reasonable speed and safely move over to the next lane when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle or tow truck with its warning lights flashing.
If drivers cannot move over lanes, they should slow down and cautiously approach the vehicle.
Though Connecticut shares most standard traffic laws with the rest of the states, it also has a distinct set of regulations unique to the state. Here are some of these weird laws and regulations: