The Connecticut Department of Transportation Safety Research Center reports that pedestrian deaths in 2022 are up 40% over last year.
According to the department – most of the pedestrians killed (and cyclists for that matter) did nothing to cause the accidents that took their lives.
How’s the rest of the U.S. doing?
According to the Governor Highway Safety Association, some 7,485 pedestrians died on U.S roads in 2021. That’s an increase of 12 percent from the 6,711 deaths reported in 2020.
Sadly, Connecticut and Maine currently have the highest per-capita pedestrian death rates in New England.
What’s causing the spike in deadly accidents?
According to the Governor Highway Safety Association, contributing factors include “dangerous driving, the lack of pedestrian infrastructures such as sidewalks, road designs that prioritize speed, vehicle size and weight, and the weather.”
How do they define dangerous driving?
- Distracted driving – in particular, cell phone use (texting) while driving
- Excessive speeds
- Driving while intoxicated
- Drowsy driving
What can pedestrians do to protect themselves? Here are six tips:
- Always walk or run facing oncoming traffic (it’s the law in Connecticut).
- Walk on sidewalks wherever possible.
- Wear bright colors when walking in the daytime, and when walking at night, wear light-colored clothing and reflective clothing or a reflective vest.
- Walk in single file.
- If you’re walking a dog, keep them on a short leash.
- Always remember, assume some motorists won’t see you despite your best efforts.
If you or a loved one are ever injured while walking on a Connecticut road, know that the Connecticut personal injury lawyers at RisCassi and Davis have been assisting pedestrians injured in accidents for over 65 years. And we have received both state and national recognition for our work in this area. If you are ever in an accident of any kind and would like a free consultation with one of our Connecticut personal injury lawyers, please contact us. There is no obligation.