Connecticut is an excellent place for walkers and cyclists; however, it can also be a dangerous place. In the spring, the number of walkers and bicyclists increase, and so do the number of car accidents between motorists and pedestrians or cyclists. Connecticut authorities would like to reduce the number of tragedies on our roads. They are asking motorists to keep a watchful eye for cyclists and pedestrians.
There were 121 pedestrians killed in Connecticut between 2008 and 2010. The majority of these fatalities occurred in New Haven, Fairfield and Hartford counties, according to a study by the Tri-State Transportation Campaign. In the entire state of Connecticut, there were 661 accidents involving cyclists and 1,161 accidents involving pedestrians in 2009.
Authorities are trying to implement new solutions to prevent Connecticut pedestrian accidents. They want more education about, and more enforcement of, rules of the road for drivers and pedestrians. Driver cell phone use is particularly dangerous because pedestrians or cyclists can appear at a moment’s notice, without warning.
Lastly, Connecticut authorities are also hoping to make road improvements and expand room for cyclists on the roads. Most pedestrian accidents occur where the shoulders are narrow on country and local roads. The DOT reports that 388 of the bicycling accidents and 768 of the pedestrian accidents occurred on local roads.
Pedestrians and cyclists can help, of course, by wearing bright clothing, remaining aware and not stepping out onto busy streets without looking. But the bottom line is, with the warmer spring temperatures, motorists need to be especially alert for more pedestrians and bicyclists using the road.