Connecticut drivers have a responsibility to pay attention and to be alert while driving. Drivers must abide by traffic signals and lights. The lights and signals serve an important purpose – to help direct the flow of traffic to avoid confusion and automobile accidents.

A Connecticut mother spoke out recently against the driver who caused a motor vehicle accident that killed her 5-month-old infant daughter, according to reports. Police said a car was traveling down a local road when it ran into an SUV. The woman and her daughter were in the SUV that rolled over and smashed into a telephone poll.

The woman’s sister was driving the SUV. Her 11-month-old son was in the back seat and experienced a severe head injury from the crash. The mother of the baby said she was in the passenger seat when a 17-year-old female driver ran a red light and slammed into her SUV. The baby was in a car seat in the backseat. Police said both the children were in safety seats and properly secured.

After the teen driver turned herself in, police arrested her and charged her with assault and manslaughter. Investigators reported that there was no indication the teenager was under the influence or talking on a cell phone.

All drivers are expected to know motor vehicle laws – including that they are always required to make a complete stop at a red light and wait until the light turns green before starting to move. If a red light is flashing, drivers are also required to make a complete stop before proceeding. Any driver that runs a red light and causes accident resulting in injuries or vehicle damage should be held responsible for their actions.

Source:  nbcconnecticut.com, “Mother Speaks Out About Losing Infant Daughter After Deadly Crash” No author given, Jan. 16, 2014