If you ask 100 people what time of year is most dangerous for driving – 85 out of 100 will tell you wintertime in Connecticut. Makes sense right? Longer periods of darkness. Slippery conditions. Snow and ice.
Well, those 85 people would be incorrect. Summertime is the most dangerous season for driving, with the risk of being in a car accident greatest on the 4th of July. As many as one in three fatal car accidents in Connecticut occur during the summer months. Drivers are most wary during the winter – and seem to let their guard down particularly during summer holidays.
Add driving boats – and the 4th of July sticks out as even more dangerous. Again more boating accidents occur on the 4th than at any other time of the year.
So just what is the major contributor to car and boat accidents during the summer and on the 4th in particular? Drugs and alcohol. Intoxicated drivers are a major cause of car accidents and are takers of life and property.
The lesson here – do not ever drive under the influence at any time.
In Connecticut, if you are caught driving under the influence you can face the following penalties:
- First offense: One-year license suspension; six-month jail sentence, with 48 hours mandatory minimum time in jail, or a suspended sentence with 100 hours of community service; fine from $500 to $1,000.
- Second offense: One-year license suspension, followed by two years with ignition interlock device (for in-state violations featuring drivers who are at least 21); two-year jail sentence, with mandatory 120 days in jail; 100 hours of community service; fine from $1,000 to $4,000.
- Third offense: Revocation of license; three-year sentence with one-year mandatory time in jail; 100 hours of community service; fine from $2,000 to $8,000.
And there are other potential costs – like attorney fees, loss of wages, higher insurance rates, loss of employment and more
So this summer – be smart and teach your children to be smart. If you are going to a party or a night on the town – designate a driver who won’t drink to get you home safely. Your life and the lives of those you share the roads with depends on it.
If you or a member of your family are ever the victim of a car accident in Connecticut, it is important to gather all the information you can and then call a qualified Connecticut car accident lawyer. A knowledgeable car accident lawyer can help to ensure that your rights are protected.
RisCassi & Davis has handled thousands of car accident cases over our more than 55 years serving the people of Connecticut. Our car accident lawyers have received local and national recognition for our handling of car accident cases including:
- Top listing in “The Best Lawyers in America” and “Best Law Firms”….. for more on our honors and awards, click here.
If you would like a free consultation with one of our accident lawyers, contact us today.
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