elderly with walking frame crossing street in a zebra crossing - mature pedestrian safety

Mature pedestrian safety

As pedestrian-involved crashes continue to rise on Connecticut roads, older pedestrians are over-represented in crashes, injuries and fatalities. There are many reasons why. Older pedestrians can take longer to cross and may run out of time on a signal. Drivers may also misinterpret how long they need to cross, creating a deadly scenario.

Diminished eyesight is also a major concern. As we get older, we can have a harder time seeing in the distance and in the dark. Older pedestrians can have a harder time seeing oncoming vehicles and judging how far away they are. It’s even more of a concern at night.

 

By the numbers

A mature pedestrian crossing the street.

From 2018-2022, people ages 50-65 accounted for 33.6% of pedestrian-related crashes.

  • Pedestrians 65 or older are overrepresented in crashes during daylight hours, on weekdays and in the winter.
  • Older pedestrians are also overrepresented in intersection crashes (particularly involving turning vehicles) and in crashes involving wide street crossings.
  • There is a higher proportion of fatalities among age 50+ pedestrians in hit-and-run crashes.

Laws and penalties

Recently passed, an Act Concerning Pedestrian Safety introduces new laws in Connecticut to protect pedestrians and bicyclists.


assistant dog helping elderly pedestrian to cross the road - slow down on crossing - pedestrian safety

Yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks

A driver must yield to pedestrians if the pedestrian is within any portion of the crosswalk or if that pedestrian indicates intent to cross by raising a hand or moving into the crosswalk entrance. Drivers who fail to yield at a crosswalk when required are subject to a $500 fine. When violations result in crashes and fatalities, there can be more substantial penalties and even criminal charges.

driver openning door as cyclists passing by - pedestrian cycle safety

Dooring

This law prohibits a person opening a car door or leaving a car door open longer than needed so that it makes contact with a pedestrian or bicyclist on a sidewalk, shoulder or bikeway. Violations of this provision are infractions.

older pedestrans are more vulnerable. Once struck older pedestrians has 20% more chance of getting killed than 5 to 10% of young pedestrians - highway safety office

Drive to save lives – what we’re doing

In 2022, the HSO formed a unique collaboration with AARP of Connecticut to create a public awareness campaign specifically addressing older pedestrian safety! The resulting campaign featured real AARP members, seated in a crosswalk discussing the dangers of crossing the street. The campaign, entitled “Words to Live By,” was so well-received that other states have adopted the campaign to run in their own region.

• Advertising includes television, radio, internet, billboards and bus panels.
• To supplement paid advertising, we garner significant press coverage through frequent press conferences and news releases.
• Public outreach at sporting and concert venues, health and safety fairs and civic organizations reaches the public in person.
• HSO leaders also work with state legislators to promote stronger laws and penalties around pedestrian safety.

Watch for me: words to live by

We put some older pedestrians in harm's way (not really) to prove an important point about pedestrian safety.


we don't stand a chance against your car - words to live by - mature predestrian safety - highway safety office

Drive to save lives – what you can do

Drivers

Be patient

Give pedestrians time to cross – give older pedestrians even more time.

Look before proceeding

Make sure pedestrians are fully clear of the road before proceeding.

Be aware

Look for and expect pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections – don’t wait for them to make themselves known.

Yield to pedestrians

Obey the new laws and yield to pedestrians at crosswalks.

Put down distractions

Look at your phone for a second and you can miss a pedestrian stepping out in front of you.

Older pedestrians

Always obey traffic signals

Don’t cross against the light.

Ask for help

If there are others around, ask for help crossing the street.

Always wave to oncoming traffic

Make sure they see you and come to a complete stop before crossing.

Don't assume they see you

make sure oncoming traffic stops before you proceed.

Put down distractions

don’t use a mobile device while crossing. Stay focused on the task and the vehicles around you.

Wear high visibility colors

Wear high visibility colors or lighted gear, especially at night. Even holding or waving a flashlight at night makes you more visible.

Watch conditions

If there are road conditions that block your ability to cross safely – like snow drifts, potholes or road debris – avoid the area and contact your town or city officials.