Pedestrian deaths are up

Fairfield County has more foot traffic than many others here in Connecticut. Whether a person is running to catch a train, doing some window shopping, or trying to cross a road to get to the beach, there is also a higher potential for pedestrians to be injured. This has been tracked by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association (GHSA), which noted that Connecticut’s pedestrian fatality number was up from 19 to 29 from the first half of 2017 to the same period in 2018. Based on a percentage jump of 53%, Connecticut saw the fourth largest increase of any state. By numbers alone, 29 fatalities rank the state in the middle of the pack, but these findings nonetheless illustrate the greater need for pedestrian safety awareness.

Common reasons for the increase

The GHSA listed several reasons for the deadly increase. The most common are:

• SUVs: The increased number (up 50% nationally since 2013) of these vehicles is bad news for pedestrians because the vehicles’ height and size made them deadlier to pedestrians.
• Human error: Distract driving is at epidemic proportions these days, but impairment of driver or pedestrian is also a contributing factor.
• More pedestrians: Population density is up in city centers, with a 4% increase nationally between 2008 and 2017 in the number of pedestrians walking to work.
• More dangerous at night: There was a 45% increase in the number of pedestrian fatalities at night.

It is best to be careful

Pedestrians do have the right of way, but it is dangerous to assume that drivers will see them, particularly in the evening. It is best always to be aware of traffic when crossing a street or walking on the shoulder. The injured victims or their families can get the help they need from a personal injury attorney with experience working here in Connecticut. These legal professionals help victims and their families gain compensation for lost income, medical expenses and other related costs.