Truck accident fatalities in Connecticut
In 2013, 19 people died in large truck accidents in Connecticut. Four of those deaths were in Fairfield County.
Stratford, Connecticut residents should be concerned about the dangers that large trucks pose on area roads and highways. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, two people died in accidents involving large trucks in Fairfield County in 2009. For the next four years in a row, that number was between four and six. In 2013, Fairfield County was the site of the most number of truck accident fatalities in the state.
Detailed data includes the following:
- In 2013, a total of 19 people died statewide in crashes involving large trucks.
- Four of those deaths took place in Fairfield County.
- Three deaths occurred in the following counties: Hartford, New Haven, New London and Tolland.
- Two deaths happened in Litchfield County.
- One death happened in Windham County.
The 19 deaths across the state were out of a total number of 276 vehicular fatalities.
What causes these accidents?
Certainly there can be many factors that can contribute to a truck accident. However, there are two issues known to be dangerous among truckers-fatigue and impairment. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has been trying to tackle these lately but the results are uncertain.
A look at fatigue
In 2013, the FMCSA amended the rules that dictated when truckers must take breaks from driving. The reason given for the change was to reduce fatigue among truck drivers. Despite this important goal, the new rule was anything but popular within the trucking industry.
Supply Chain Digest reports that the issue has been taken up with Congress who has since put a stay on the ruling. They also ordered the FMCSA to collect more data about the need for and potential benefit of the change. OverdriveOnline.com notes that if the needed information is not collected by the original deadline, more time can be given for that.
A look at impairment
Drunk or drugged driving among truckers can lead to extremely serious problems. The FMCSA chose to randomly test drivers for a while. Because the number of positive test results continued to increase, they have chosen to continue this practice according to Bulk Transporter.
In addition, the Commercial Carrier Journal indicates that the FMCSA will soon be launching a new database and process for screening drivers during hiring and on boarding. No applicant can be hired as a driver without first passing a substance test. Employers must also do a full review of every driver’s records in the database. This database will house details about drug and alcohol testing and violations.
What can Connecticut residents do?
When safe driving practices fail to protect someone from an accident caused by a truck driver, victims and loved ones need to take action. Contacting an attorney promptly in these situations is important.