Fatal Bus Accidents in Connecticut
Connecticut is one of the states that see a relatively small number of fatal bus crashes on an annual basis. While the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has programs aimed at reducing the risk of serious collisions, such accidents still occur on the road every once in a while.
Fatal Bus Accident Statistics
The Connecticut Department of Transportation publishes annual reports about traffic accidents, their severity and the vehicles involved in those. The latest available comprehensive and segmented report is for 2014.
During the year, Connecticut witnessed a total of 118,935 crashes. Of these, 27,696 caused injuries and 298 had a fatal outcome. The largest percentage of harmful crashes involved automobiles – 76.14 percent. Single unit trucks follow with 11,502 crashes or 9.67 percent of the total.
The major contributing factors in Connecticut’s fatal accidents include a failure to maintain sufficient distance from the vehicle ahead, a failure to grant the right of way, speeding, improper lane change, unsafe backing, improper maneuver, driving under the influence and road surface issues (slippery, wet, greasy, etc.).
As far as commercial buses are concerned, they participated in 745 crashes or 0.63 percent. Of all collisions, 131 caused injuries, and luckily, there were none with a fatal outcome during the year.
Statistics provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration paint a somewhat different picture. Here are some of the most recent numbers for the period from 2015 to 2017 (the 2017 data is still incomplete):
| 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Buses involved | 261 | 403 | 102 |
| Number of Crashes | 257 | 398 | 100 |
| Fatalities | 5 | 4 | 2 |
| Injuries | 89 | 232 | 73 |
FMCSA’s report for 2014 suggests that two buses were involved in fatal crashes that contributed to two deaths. The data for 2013 suggests there were two vehicles involved in such collisions and two deaths, as well.
Going further back in time, the Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports that in 2010, Connecticut had four bus crashes that led to the death of passengers or drivers. The number represents 0.6 percent of the state’s overall roadside fatality number.
Recent Fatal Collisions
Passengers have been killed on the road in Connecticut both during 2016 and 2017.
One serious crash that closed Interstate 95 occurred in February 2016. A charter bus rolled over, causing the death of one person. An approaching winter storm could have been a contributing factor.
The bus was carrying 70 passengers. Apart from the death of one passenger, the accident contributed to 30 injuries. While most sustained minor wounds and were capable of walking away from the crash site on their own, a few people had to be taken to the hospital.
A second deadly accident occurred in September 2016 when a bus and a motorcycle collided. According to investigators, the motorcycle’s brakes could have locked, causing the vehicle to “slide” underneath the bus. The motorcyclist was not wearing a helmet, which is why he sustained massive injuries.
The bus driver wasn’t harmed, but four passengers did experience some injuries of varying degree as a result of the collision. The bus was removed from service immediately to undergo a thorough safety inspection.