Today, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) issued a wide-ranging report outlining key tactics and programs to increase pedestrian safety across Connecticut as national trends and state data point to the need to address pedestrian fatalities and injuries.
Nationally, pedestrian fatalities are increasing more than any other type of traffic fatality. Since 2009 the number of pedestrian deaths increased by 53 percent, while all other traffic fatalities increased by only 2 percent. In Connecticut, over the past five years the state has averaged about 58 pedestrian fatalities annually. Preliminary crash data for 2020 indicates there were 65 pedestrian fatalities on Connecticut’s roadways last year.
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Preliminary* CT Fatalities Crash Data |
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|
Year |
Total Fatalities |
Pedestrian Fatalities |
|
2016 |
304 |
59 |
|
2017 |
281 |
49 |
|
2018 |
294 |
59 |
|
2019* |
249 |
55 |
|
2020* |
310 |
65 |
|
Data Source: FARS Final Files 2016 - 2018, CTDOT Preliminary Data 2019-2020 Note: The 2019 and 2020 data is preliminary and subject to change |
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As the report outlines, there are many factors that are likely contributing to the increase in pedestrian deaths. Circumstances such the increasing number of pedestrians, traffic, distractions, impaired driving and even larger vehicles all play a contributing factor to the pedestrian risks on the roadways.
“Far too many families have been impacted by a crash that resulted in a pedestrian fatality or serious injury,” said CTDOT Commissioner Joseph Giulietti. “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.”
The CTDOT has recommended a four-pronged approach to tackling pedestrian risks and increasing safety:
- Speed: to reduce and better manage traffic speeds in areas with significant pedestrian activity
- Crosswalks, Intersections & Streets: to implement safer roadway design
- Public Awareness, Education & Training: to increase awareness of the problem & promote safer, less risky behaviors
- Integrated Safety Program: to align policies and programs that strengthen the state’s roadway safety program for motorist and non-motorists
The CTDOT Comprehensive Pedestrian Safety Strategy also provides background and additional details on CTDOT’s policies, funding programs, and initiatives that are playing a role to increase safety and reduce pedestrian fatalities and serious injuries.