Torrington Legal Blog

Researchers at the North Carolina Institute for Climate Studies have discovered that a light drizzle can increase the risk of a fatal auto accident by 27 percent. They reached their conclusion after analyzing 125,012 fatal car crashes that occurred between 2006 and 2011 in Connecticut and the rest of the 48 lower states. They also factored in how many cars were on the road.

More importantly, researchers were able to use weather radar data to calculate rain and snow conditions, whereas previous studies had to rely on the less precise information given in police reports and by the nearest weather stations. This data showed how hard it was raining or snowing at the time of each crash.

Distracted and fatigued driving is a major problem for truck drivers in Connecticut and across the U.S. However, new technologies are now available that can detect when truckers are distracted or drowsy and prevent them from causing an accident.

For example, many trucking fleets are now using cellphone blocking technologies that stop phone calls, texts and web browsing while the truck is in motion and hands-free technologies that allow truckers to verbally command cellphones and other devices. Many companies are also using in-cab cameras that monitor drivers for distracted driving and other potentially dangerous behaviors. This monitoring is typically used to inform truckers about distracted driving incidents and coach them on ways to avoid similar incidents in the future.

There are numerous driver behaviors that commonly lead to crashes, including drunk driving, texting while driving and driving aggressively. These actions can and do cause serious and fatal car accidents, and drivers can face criminal penalties as well as a personal injury lawsuit.

But there is one dangerous driver behavior that is often overlooked or underestimated: drowsy driving. Each of us has driven while less-than-alert, and the reduction in driving ability is usually apparent. Unfortunately, it is common for drivers to get behind the wheel while dangerously impaired by drowsiness or fatigue.