A report released this week by the Governors Highway Safety Association is projecting the largest year to year increase in pedestrian fatalities since national records have been kept - anticipating more than a 10% increase in the number of pedestrians killed in traffic accidents compared to last year.
There are a number of factors that researchers believe will contribute to this spike in pedestrian fatalities. Among these are:
- Falling gas prices
- Increased cell phone use by drivers and pedestrians
- Economic recovery sparking extra vacation/night/weekend travel
- Increased population in urban areas
- Communities that are not pedestrian friendly
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Driving while drowsy
Protect yourself and those you love by following Connecticut's law regarding pedestrians. Since 1929, pedestrians in Connecticut have had the right of way in crosswalks. If a pedestrian is at the curb or in the crosswalk, all vehicles must stop to allow the pedestrian to cross. This means that all other vehicle traffic (cars, trucks, buses, motorcycles, bicycles, etc.) must stop and remain stopped until the pedestrian has fully crossed the street or reached a "zone of safety." If a pedestrian is not in a marked or unmarked crosswalk, the pedestrian must yield to other traffic.
If you or someone you know sustained injuries while a pedestrian in a traffic accident, you should contact an experienced attorney like the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli. You may still have a valid personal injury claim against the driver who struck you, regardless of whether or not you were in a crosswalk. The Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli has experience handling pedestrian claims and will deal with the insurance company on your behalf so you can focus on getting better. Contact us today for a free consultation at 1-800-WIN-WIN-1.