Event Will Honor the People Lost To Traffic Accidents This Past Year in Hampden County
Walking or riding a bicycle in Springfield, Mass., should be a safe option for city residents, but tragically, some people lose their lives in pedestrian crashes and bicycle accidents because of reckless drivers.
At the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone, our Springfield personal injury lawyers have seen firsthand how lives are lost or forever changed on Massachusetts roads, often due to preventable dangers such as speeding, distracted driving, or unsafe street design. That’s why we’re joining local advocates in recognizing WalkBike Springfield’s “World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims,” an important event to honor lives lost and push for safer streets for everyone.
On Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, WalkBike Springfield will hold a remembrance ceremony outside the Springfield Central Library. This year’s event will pay tribute to the 34 people who lost their lives in Hampden County traffic crashes over the past year, including eight pedestrians. Behind each of these numbers is a person: a family member, a friend, a neighbor. Their memory is a reminder that road safety must be a community priority.
WalkBike Springfield advocates for safety
WalkBike Springfield began in 2014 as a collaboration among local residents, planners, and public health organizations committed to creating safer, more walkable and bikeable streets. Since then, they’ve helped the City of Springfield adopt a Complete Streets policy, secure MassDOT funding for safety improvement, and develop a Bicycle Network and Prioritization Plan. Visible progress can already be seen in the form of bike lanes, zebra crosswalks, multi-use paths, and bicycle racks at libraries.
Their annual World Day of Remembrance events have helped shine a light on what they call Springfield’s “speeding crisis.” Speed remains one of the leading causes of serious and fatal crashes, and WalkBike Springfield continues to advocate for a 25 mph citywide speed limit, improved pedestrian crossings, and enhanced enforcement.
What drivers can do to keep pedestrians and cyclists safe
Everyone who gets behind the wheel plays an important role in preventing future tragedies. Here’s what drivers can do to protect pedestrians and bicyclists:
- Slow down: Even small reductions in speed dramatically lower the risk of fatal injury.
- Stay alert: Avoid distractions such as phones, food, or in-car technology.
- Yield at crosswalks: Always stop for pedestrians waiting to cross or already crossing.
- Watch for cyclists: Give bikes at least 3 feet of space when passing.
- Check before turning or opening doors: Look for bikes and pedestrians in your blind spots.
- Follow posted speed limits: Many residential and downtown areas are now 25 mph zones.
If you've been injured, protect your rights
As personal injury attorneys serving Massachusetts, we understand how devastating crashes involving pedestrians or cyclists can be. Victims often face medical bills, lost income, and long recoveries – all because someone else failed to drive responsibly. Accountability is essential, but so is prevention.
WalkBike Springfield’s work shows what’s possible when residents, government agencies, and advocates come together. Safer roads save lives, improve neighborhoods, and make cities like Springfield more vibrant and livable.
On Nov. 16, we’ll stand with WalkBike Springfield to remember the 34 Hampden County residents who never made it home. Let their memory inspire change — in how we drive, how we plan, and how we look out for one another.
At the Law Offices of Mark E. Salomone, we remain committed to protecting the rights of pedestrians and bicyclists and to supporting efforts that make our streets safer for all. If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash, contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help. It costs you nothing to find out if you have a case, there are no upfront or out-of-pocket costs, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Tell them you mean business!
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