Increased Focus on Safe Driving in Wake of I-95 Accidents

In light of last Saturday’s series of four serious accidents on Interstate 95, I am asking the state to step up patrols on the busy stretch of highway.

Last Saturday, four different accidents on Interstate 95 sent eight people to the hospital with injuries and tied up emergency responders in the area for hours. I am calling on state police to increase patrols in the Norwalk area to ensure motorists are adhering to the law. Just the presence of state troopers on the highway gets drivers to slow down and pay more attention to the road.

I sent a letter this week and also spoke to state Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Reuben F. Bradford asking him to step up patrols on the stretch of highway that runs through Norwalk in the wake of last weekend’s accidents.

Between 120,000 and 150,000 vehicles travel each day on that busy stretch of I-95, according to state Department of Transportation statistics. State data also shows that the number one cause of accidents for the four-mile stretch of I-95 that runs through Norwalk is drivers following another vehicle too closely. The second most common factor in crashes is improper lane changes.

I would like to remind Connecticut motorists to be safe on the roads and avoid distracted driving.

While the vast majority of drivers arrive safely at their destination, we must strive to make sure all motorists complete safe journeys while on the roads in Connecticut. Don’t tailgate. Don’t text and talk on the cell phone. Use turn signals and check your blind spot when changing lanes.

And enjoy a safe ride to wherever you are going.