A recently released Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) report outlines tactics and programs designed to address pedestrian fatalities and injuries.
The Comprehensive Pedestrian Safety Strategy notes there are several factors contributing to the rise in pedestrian deaths, such as the increased number of pedestrians, traffic, distractions, impaired driving, and even larger vehicles.
CTDOT officials said the agency has crafted a four-pronged approach as a means of reducing pedestrian risks and increasing safety, including reduction and better management of traffic speeds in areas with significant pedestrian activity; implementation of safer roadway design; increasing awareness of the problem and promoting safer, less risky behaviors; and alignment of policies and programs strengthening the state’s roadway safety program for motorist and non-motorists.
In Connecticut, over the past five years, the state has averaged about 58 pedestrian fatalities annually, while preliminary crash data for 2020 showed there were 65 pedestrian fatalities on the state’s roadways last year.
“Far too many families have been impacted by a crash that resulted in a pedestrian fatality or serious injury,” CTDOT Commissioner Joseph Giulietti said. “The CTDOT remains committed to working with our municipal partners to tackle the challenge of pedestrian safety, which will make our roadways safer for all that use them.”