Let’s protect Connecticut’s walkers during Pedestrian Safety Month
Every October, communities across the nation recognize Pedestrian Safety Month, a time to focus on the shared responsibility to protect people on foot.
An experienced Connecticut pedestrian accident lawyer knows how devastating such a crash can be. These are not just statistics; they are neighbors, parents, and children whose lives are forever changed by a moment of inattention.
Troubling trends in Connecticut
According to Watch for Me CT, a statewide safety campaign, Connecticut has already recorded 44 fatalities and 115 injuries involving pedestrians this year. In 2024, the state saw 68 pedestrian deaths and 178 pedestrian injuries.
These tragedies happen across the state, from busy cities like Hartford and New Haven to smaller communities such as Norwalk and Waterbury. In recent months, local headlines have told heartbreaking stories: an 80-year-old woman killed in East Hartford (The Middletown Press), a 49-year-old man seriously injured in Waterbury (CTInsider), and several pedestrians struck on Connecticut Avenue in Norwalk (The Hour).
State officials report that pedestrian deaths in Connecticut have more than doubled over the past decade, even as overall traffic has remained steady. Many of these crashes occur on wide, high-speed roads not designed with pedestrians in mind.
How do pedestrian accidents happen?
The causes are often preventable. Speeding, distracted driving, and failure to yield are among the top contributors to pedestrian deaths. Even small increases in vehicle speed greatly raise the risk that a pedestrian will be seriously hurt or killed. Poor lighting, long crossing distance, and distracted walking can also play a role, but studies show that in many crashes, the pedestrian was crossing legally and doing nothing wrong.
When a vehicle collides with a person, the results are devastating. Pedestrians have no protection against the force of a car, truck, or SUV. Survivors often face long recoveries, lost income, and lifelong injuries.
What can drivers do to keep people on foot safe?
Every driver can help make Connecticut’s roads safer:
- Slow down in residential areas, near schools, and in downtown areas.
- Stay alert – Avoid texting or other distractions.
- Yield to pedestrians at crosswalks and intersections.
- Use extra caution in low-light conditions or bad weather.
- Expect pedestrians – especially in parking lots, near bus stops, and along main streets.
Even small acts of care can prevent tragedy.
Injured? Contact a Hartford pedestrian accident lawyer today
At the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone & Morelli, we stand with victims and families affected by pedestrian crashes. We help clients recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. But we also believe prevention is key.
Let’s honor Pedestrian Safety Month by committing to safer driving habits year-round. Slow down. Look out. Save a life.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Connecticut pedestrian accident, contact us today for a free consultation. We’re here to protect your rights and fight for the justice you deserve. "Tell them you mean business!"
"Wonderful legal team! After my accident, I wasn't sure what steps to take or the specifics of getting legal support, but they were sure to make the process a smooth and easy one. They stayed on top of every aspect of my case and kept me up-to-date with each step. I highly recommend Attorney Morrelli and his team." - Shanika A., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐