You know all those accidents you’ve been reading — and commenting — about?
According to the Westport Police Department, there are fewer now than there used to be.
In a press release sent to local media — but not “06880” — deputy chief Dale Call said: “In recent weeks numerous comments have been posted on several local news blogs regarding the seeming increase in motor vehicle accidents on Town of Westport roads.”
Over the past decade, however, motor vehicle accidents have decreased 22 percent. Vehicles involving injuries are down a whopping 52 percent.
Responding to comments on “06880” and other blogs that cops seem to turn a blind eye to speeding, cell phone use and other contributing factors, Call said that the number of cars stopped, and ticketed or warned, has increased by 173 percent. Each year, he said, the numbers grow.
Blog reports, Call continued, contribute to the misperception that we’re more accident-prone than we used to be.
But, he added, it’s all good.
“We do pay attention to all the blogs and read the comments,” the deputy chief said. “We take a lot out of what we read. Perception counts for a lot.”
Or, as Groucho Marx said: “Are you going to believe me, or what you see with your own eyes?”
Accidents like this one last week happen less frequently than a decade ago, statistics show. (Photo by Dave Matlow)