New Report Suggest People Don’t Think Dangerous Driving Is Dangerous

Car crashes are an unfortunately-common occurrence in Connecticut and the entire country. Though there can be a range of causes, there are certain factors that may make it more likely that a person will be involved in a crash, potentially hurting themselves and others. Certain behaviors that are categorized as “dangerous driving behaviors” were at the center of a recent survey. The researchers discovered that people all over the country, of all ages, that are legally able to drive may be growing less careful when it comes to these types of driving behaviors, potentially leading to a rise in car accidents.

The survey was taken over a four year period, from 2009 to 2012. It found that there has been an overall decline in the percentage of those people who believe specific dangerous driving behaviors are, in fact, dangerous. This is coupled with an increase in yearly traffic fatalities, which rose by 5.3 percent. That may not seem like a significant number, but it is the first time that number has increased in seven years, as reported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Dangerous driving behaviors include:

• driving after consuming alcohol
• driving while fatigued
• driving while texting or emailing
• running red lights

All of these behaviors saw a significant decrease in the number of those who believe each behavior is a serious threat to safety.

Those victims of  — or the families who lose loved ones to — car accidents of this nature may decide to file a civil claim against the party believed responsible. Dangerous driving behaviors should never be the cause of an accident, but if they are, Connecticut victims may be able to seek financial remuneration through litigation. Among other benefits, it may send the message that these types of incidents are not without consequence.

Source: newsroom.aaa.com, “Americans Growing Less Concerned about Dangerous Driving Behaviors”, , Oct. 12, 2014