In an effort to reduce accidents on Connecticut roadways, the DOT is reminding drivers what to do during a highway emergency.

"This year is off to a really dangerous, really sad, and really alarming start," CT DOT spokesperson Josh Morgan says. "We’re at a pace with roughly one person being killed on Connecticut Roadways every day."

Morgan says his office is seeing an increase in roadside accidents just one month into the new year. What he calls "secondary crashes," have also resulted in fatalities.

If your car or truck breaks down on the highway, instead of getting out to check on the problem, the CT DOT says drivers should stay inside their vehicle and dial 911 for help.

Experts say drivers should pull over safely away from traffic, put their hazard lights on and fasten their seat belts while waiting for assistance.

Avoid exiting your vehicle at all costs, Morgan says - even if you think traffic is light.

“Only if it’s a matter of life and death," Morgan says. "Your car's on fire, there’s a lot of smoke, something where you can’t stay in your car for fear of your own safety. But by and large, the best place and the safest place for people to be is in their car waiting for help to arrive."