Connecticut

Guardrail safety advocate urges more work after identifying hazards in Connecticut

Published

1 month ago

August 7, 2026

Guardrail safety advocate urges more work after identifying hazards in Connecticut

A national guardrail safety advocate is calling on Connecticut leaders to conduct a statewide audit of guardrails after identifying what he says are more than 100 potentially dangerous installations across the state.

Stephen Eimers, widely known as “The Guardrail Guy,” recently visited Connecticut, where he urged Gov. Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) to do more to address guardrail safety. Eimers said he and a local man he identified as Richie have documented more than 100 guardrails with issues, including upside-down installations and what he described as “Frankenstein” guardrails assembled or repaired with mismatched parts.

“This is an everywhere issue and everywhere in-between issue,” Eimers said.

Eimers has spent the past decade advocating for safer guardrails after his daughter, Hannah, was killed in a crash involving a guardrail back in 2016.

“I saw a problem, and I had to say something; it was the moral, ethical thing to do,” Eimers said.

In late July, Eimers publicly called on Connecticut leaders to address the issue, saying dangerous guardrails remain along roadsides across the state.

“This is a real issue, and if it is not addressed, it is very likely to result in the death or serious harm of another person in the state,” Eimers said.

CTDOT provided a statement in response to NBC Connecticut’s request for comment.

A spokesperson said, “CTDOT has received information from Mr. Eimers and is reviewing the list of guiderail concerns that he expressed. Anytime someone contacts CTDOT with a possible safety concern, it is investigated. Roadside safety is a priority, and several locations shared by Mr. Eimers have already been addressed. Any remaining locations will be assessed and addressed through our inspection and maintenance process.”

Eimers said his advocacy has led to guardrails being updated, repaired or audited across the United States and around the world.

“I’m not here just to change a guardrail; I’m here to change a culture,” Eimers said.

Eimers said he is asking Connecticut to take two steps: repair the guardrails that have already been identified as problematic and conduct a statewide audit to identify any additional issues.

According to Eimers, Maryland, Virginia and Vermont are among the states that have already completed guardrail audits following requests.

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Connecticut

Attorney plans to expand lawsuits tied to Connecticut BrightPath daycare case

Published

5 hours ago

September 15, 2026

Press Room

Attorney plans to expand lawsuits tied to Connecticut BrightPath daycare case

The civil litigation surrounding a Connecticut daycare where a former employee is accused of sexually assaulting five boys is expected to expand, according to an attorney representing some of the victims’ families.

Jan Berrios-Otero is accused of inappropriately touching children ages 3 to 5 during nap time at the BrightPath daycare in Avon earlier this year. Police have charged Berrios-Otero in six assaults involving five children over a monthlong period, and Avon police are still investigating.

Berrios-Otero made a brief appearance in Torrington court Tuesday. The state’s attorney said prosecutors are working with Berrios-Otero’s attorney as local and federal investigations continue.

Attorney Eric Schoenberg, of Freeman Law Firm, represents some of the victims’ families in civil court.

“In situations like this, it becomes more complex,” Schoenberg said.

Schoenberg said criminal proceedings can become more complicated when investigations are occurring at multiple levels.

“It often becomes more complex when there are state charges and pending federal charges because they have to coordinate amongst themselves to figure out priorities, plans and next steps,” he said.

There are currently four civil cases against BrightPath’s parent company, Busy Bees, and Schoenberg said more are imminent.

“We are planning within the next short order expanding the scope of the pending litigation,” Schoenberg said.

Schoenberg argues that the daycare and its parent company were negligent in protecting the children from Berrios-Otero.

NBC Connecticut has previously attempted to speak with attorneys for Busy Bees outside civil court in Hartford but was given no comment.

The BrightPath daycare in Avon has since closed.

As the criminal and civil cases continue, Schoenberg said families are still seeking information from parents and former employees who are no longer under contract as of Sept. 4.

“There are more stories that need to be told and more eyes need to be on this,” Schoenberg said.

Berrios-Otero’s next court date is scheduled for Oct. 20. He has waived his right to appear and does not intend to be transported to court.

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Connecticut

Drew Brennan, Jack Snyder win Connecticut Two Man Team Championship

Published

15 hours ago

September 15, 2026

Press Room

Drew Brennan, Jack Snyder win Connecticut Two Man Team Championship

Drew Brennan and Jack Snyder

Drew Brennan and Jack Snyder turned a steady morning into a dominant afternoon to win the 2026 Connecticut Two Man Team Championship at Black Hall Club in Old Lyme, CT.

The Ellington Ridge Country Club duo finished the 36-hole event at 7-under 135 (70-65), three shots clear of Brian Kehoe and Jason Longo.

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Connecticut

Fairfield Residents, Businesses Urged To Report Damage From Weekend’s Rainstorm

Published

1 day ago

September 14, 2026

Press Room

Fairfield Residents, Businesses Urged To Report Damage From Weekend’s Rainstorm

Police and emergency personnel responded to more than 100 flood-related calls on Sunday, and dealt with more a dozen vehicles and motorists stranded by floodwaters. Additionally, Fairfield fire officials have also been called to more than 100 properties to assess damage, and possible carbon monoxide and gas leaks.

The National Weather Service had sent out warnings, which Vitale said had the most accurate information about the storm, but she conceded that town email alerts could have also been sent.

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