In the last 24 hours, Connecticut has seen a spike in motorcycle accidents, with police responding to eight crashes. These incidents have resulted in fatalities, such as Robert Holcomb, a 31-year-old man who lost control of his motorcycle and collided with a guard rail in New Hartford. Another collision in Milford involved a motorcycle and a pedestrian, with the investigation still ongoing. Additionally, a crash in Simsbury between a car and motorcycle resulted in a man’s death.
The increase in motorcycle accidents could be due to newer drivers on the road, as there was a rise in motorcycle registrations during the pandemic. Eric Jackson of the Connecticut Transportation Institute warned that autumn weather and shorter days could lead to more crashes. So far this year, 42 people have died in motorcycle accidents, making 2024 the second-highest year for fatalities compared to the past five years.
To combat this trend, state police have launched the Fatal Reduction Initiative, increasing patrols to prevent deadly crashes. They are targeting speeding, aggressive driving, and distracted driving. Sgt. Luke Davis of the Connecticut State Police emphasized the importance of caution when driving a motorcycle, as it requires more skill than operating a car. Both car drivers and motorcyclists are urged to be vigilant and aware of each other on the road. Motorcyclists are advised to wear helmets and pay close attention to their surroundings to prevent accidents.
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