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Norwich Personal Injury Law Blog

Overconfidence in one’s driving abilities

On behalf of Dan Beebe of Beebe and O'Neil posted in Car Accidents on Friday, August 17, 2018.

Motor vehicle wrecks happen for many reasons, but they are often caused by driver error. There are all sorts of mistakes that are frequently made behind the wheel, some of which are intentional and reckless (illegal street racing, driving while intoxicated, etc.), some of which are accidental. Either way, the consequences of a crash can have a disastrous impact on someone’s life and leave them with many different problems. Sometimes, these accidents claim lives as well. In this post, we will examine how overconfidence can play a role in motor vehicle collisions.

Drivers may be overconfident for many reasons. For example, a younger driver who does not have very much experience behind the wheel may believe that they are a better driver than they actually are, not realizing that some of their habits or behaviors may increase the chances of a crash. Moreover, someone who may not have very good vision may be overly confident and believe that they are able to see the road just fine. Drivers who are too confident may have a harder time avoiding a collision and they may also cause an accident.

Driver fatigue is a leading factor of heavy truck accidents

On behalf of Dan Beebe of Beebe and O'Neil on Tuesday, August 7, 2018.

Commercial truck drivers carry a large load: 80,000 pounds, to be exact. That barreling weight causes a lot of damage if it’s not maneuvered efficiently. Fatigued driving is a symptom that occasionally affects all of us. But while driving is a means for traveling to and from our jobs, driving is a truck driver’s sole responsibility.

What is disability glare, and can it lead to a wreck?

On behalf of Dan Beebe of Beebe and O'Neil posted in Car Accidents on Friday, August 3, 2018.

There is a plethora of risk factors that can lead to a car wreck, such as the use of drugs or alcohol, using a smartphone while driving and going over the speed limit. Driving during the night can be particularly dangerous and some drivers may not realize that certain aspects of nighttime driving, such as using headlights, can increase the probability of a motor vehicle wreck.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has covered many different topics related to motor vehicle accident risks, including disability glare and the different ways in which this poses a threat with respect to road safety. The glare from headlights can cause light to scatter in a driver’s eyes, leading to less contrast with regard to objects on the road. This is known as disability glare and it can become more intense when lights are brighter and closer.

Riding along with a reckless driver

On behalf of Dan Beebe of Beebe and O'Neil posted in Car Accidents on Friday, July 20, 2018.

There are a number of hazards to watch out for on the road, not only as a driver but as a passenger also. Unfortunately, many people have found themselves in a car with a reckless driver, for various reasons, and this can result in an accident that leaves passengers seriously hurt or even dead. If you were injured in a crash that happened because someone who was driving you around was acting recklessly, you may want to examine your legal options closely.

Sometimes, people find themselves riding along with reckless drivers even though they should have known to avoid getting in the driver’s vehicle. Peer pressure, relationships and many other circumstances can cause someone to ride with a driver who is intoxicated or plans to drive well over the speed limit, for example. However, others may accidentally find themselves in a car with a careless driver. For example, someone may get in a taxi or use a ride-sharing service only to find that the driver is speeding and driving dangerously.

What are some of the causes of truck accidents?

On behalf of Dan Beebe of Beebe and O'Neil posted in Truck Accidents on Tuesday, July 10, 2018.

Driving a truck in Connecticut poses extra risk compared to driving a smaller vehicle. Large trucks are bigger and heavier, making it more difficult to stop quickly and causing more damage to others on the road. Understanding some of the causes of accidents involving accidents can help everyone drive more defensively and safer.

Recent statistics from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration show there were around 475,000 accidents involving large trucks in 2016.  Of these, a little over 20% resulted in injuries, and almost 1% were fatal. The majority of these crashes occurred:

  • On rural roads and interstates
  • On weekdays
  • Between the hours of 6 pm and 6 am

Should I refuse a sobriety test in Connecticut?

On behalf of Dan Beebe of Beebe and O'Neil posted in Drunk Driving Accidents on Monday, July 2, 2018.

Each state addresses operating under the influence differently, so it can be difficult to know what exactly your state's guidelines are for field sobriety tests. It leaves questions lingering about test refusals, test expectations and consequences of failing a test.

When am I sober enough to drive?

On behalf of Dan Beebe of Beebe and O'Neil on Friday, June 29, 2018.

Connecticut summers offer plenty of opportunities for friends and family to get together and celebrate. Barbecues, days on the beach and outdoor parties may all include alcoholic beverages. After drinking for several hours, you may be ready to head home, but should you drive?

It takes time for your blood alcohol concentration (BAC) to drop after consuming alcohol, but many people do not know how much time it takes. Additionally, there are many myths about methods to quickly sober up, such as drinking coffee or eating something. What is the truth about sobering up?

When are teens most likely to pass away in an auto crash?

On behalf of Dan Beebe of Beebe and O'Neil posted in Car Accidents on Sunday, June 24, 2018.

For teen drivers, the roads can be dangerous at any time of day (or night, for that matter). With that said, it is helpful for young people who drive and their parents to be aware of times when an accident may be more likely. For example, driving in treacherous weather such as heavy rainfall or snow can increase the chances of a crash. Moreover, going over statistics on teenagers and the time they were involved in a crash may also provide a better understanding of the dangers young people face on the road.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 52 percent of motor vehicle collisions which claimed the life of a teenager occurred on Friday, Saturday and Sunday during 2015. Furthermore, 48 percent of the teens who lost their lives in a traffic crash during 2015 were involved in an accident that took place from 3 PM and 12 AM. Clearly, driving and riding along as a passenger during the weekend, late afternoon, evening and at night can be especially dangerous for teenagers.

Driver’s ed and the risk of a traffic accident

On behalf of Dan Beebe of Beebe and O'Neil posted in Car Accidents on Friday, June 22, 2018.

There are many different factors that can lead to a collision on the road, such as the use of mind-altering substances, poor weather conditions (fog, snow, ice, etc.) or driver fatigue. However, young people may be especially likely to find themselves in a motor vehicle collision because they do not have very much experience with driving or familiarity with roadways. Moreover, driving can be especially dangerous for those who are in driver’s ed and getting behind the wheel with very little experience. Whether you are a parent, a teen who is beginning to drive or you were struck by someone who was learning to drive, it is important to carefully consider your options if a motor vehicle collision occurred.

In driver’s education, there are many ways in which a young driver may cause an accident. For example, someone with very little experience driving may accidentally drive through an intersection even though they were supposed to come to a complete stop. Or, a young driver could drive through a red light, drive past a stop sign, veer off of the road or into another lane or cause a crash while attempting to pass another vehicle.

Risks associated with driving in the early morning hours

On behalf of Dan Beebe of Beebe and O'Neil posted in Car Accidents on Friday, June 15, 2018.

Motor vehicle wrecks occur at all times of day, but the likelihood of a crash may be even higher at certain times. For example, driving during the early morning hours can be dangerous for a number of reasons. Not only are there are number of drivers who are very tired during this time frame, but visibility may be decreased and there are other areas of concern also. Our law office knows how devastating auto accidents can be and we want to remind drivers of some of the threats they may face on the road.

Even if a driver is well-rested, alert and responsible, they could be hit by a drunk or tired driver. During the early morning hours, someone may be driving home from a party or after consuming drugs or alcohol, putting lives in danger. Many people who have to work during these hours suffer from fatigue as a result of their work schedule, which can be especially dangerous on the road. A driver who recently woke up or has not slept in a long time may have more difficulty driving safely and could even doze off behind the wheel. Furthermore, the early morning hours can reduce visibility, whether it is completely dark or there is little light. Even after the sun rises, it may be foggy, which can also interfere with drivers’ ability to see the road.

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