A new Tri-State Transportation committee report finds that 99 pedestrians were killed on Connecticut roads between 2011 and 2013.
The good news – that’s a drop from the 111 killed between 2010 and 2012.
So what road has proved to be the state’s most deadly for pedestrians? Continuing a trend of the last seven years – U.S. Route 1 in Fairfield County.
Elderly pedestrians were the most frequent victims of these fatal incidents – with those 60 years of age or older making up a third of the total.
The report stated that the deadliest roads in Connecticut for pedestrians are what are called arterial roads. The primary function of an arterial road is to deliver traffic from collector roads to freeways or expressways. As such, many arteries are limited-access roads, or feature restrictions on private access.
Do we have a lot of arterial roads in Connecticut?
Actually, only about 15 percent of total lane miles in Connecticut are classified as arterial roads, but sadly half of the pedestrian deaths in the State happen on these roads.
So what can be done to make these roads safer?
The Tri-State Transportation Committee recommends the following steps be taken immediately:
- Implement recommendations of existing studies on Route 1, such as those completed by the South Western Regional Planning Agency and the Greater Bridgeport Regional Council.
- Complete the upcoming Highway Design Manual update in a manner that is consistent with the state Complete Streets law and ConnDOT Complete Streets policy.
- Fully fund and implement the $101 million pedestrian and bicycle capital program in the state’s 5-year transportation “ramp-up” plan.
- Prioritize pedestrian safety near transit hubs, including new Hartford Line rail stations and CTfastrak bus rapid transit stations.
- Create and fund a Safe Routes for Seniors program that implements pedestrian safety improvements in areas with high concentrations of senior pedestrians.
If you are ever injured while walking on Connecticut roads, call a qualified Connecticut personal injury lawyer who has experience with these cases. A knowledgeable Connecticut personal injury lawyer can help to ensure that your rights are protected.
The lawyers at RisCassi & Davis have handled many pedestrian accident cases over our 60 years serving the people of Connecticut. And we have received both state and national recognition for our work in this area.
Please contact us if we can help you. The consultation is free and there is no obligation of any kind. And – there is no fee or other costs unless we are successful on your behalf.