Connecticut Pedestrian Fatality Epidemic Continues With Recent New Haven Death

The state of Connecticut is experiencing an epidemic of pedestrian accidents that are resulting in deaths throughout the state.  The most recent New Haven pedestrian accident left a woman who was 42 years old dead after a care ran into her on Whalley Ave.  The accident, which is still under investigation is just another in a long line of these types of incidents that are plaguing the streets of our cities.

As a pedestrian there are a number of things you can do to avoid these types of run ins with motor vehicles.  We have detailed some of the suggestions and precautions you can take here.  While it is important that pedestrians take safety measures to when out walking through the streets, it is also important that those who are driving take precautions as well to avoid from being involved in a similar type of accident.  This is especially true when driving through a busy city street.

Here are some of the steps you can take if you are behind the wheel of a vehicle to prevent yourself from being involved in this type of incident and becoming a part of the growing problem in our state.

1.) Slow down.  It is an overall theme of safety discussions for people who are driving, regardless of whether it is on a busy city street or up and down the high speed Interstates that run through our state, speed, especially excessive speed, is one thing that makes driving even more dangerous.  In relationship to pedestrians it could mean the difference between being able to stop in time before colliding with a pedestrian or not.   Speed, quite literally, kills.  When you are driving through an area where there is a large concentration of pedestrians you should always drive the speed limit and at times it may make sense to slow to below the speed limit in order to keep those around you safe.

2.) Stop or slow down at all intersections where there are crosswalks.  While it may seem tedious and difficult to slow down or come to a complete stop anywhere where there is a crosswalk, it could mean the difference between avoiding this type of accident.  Cities are often filled with crosswalks so not only will it allow you to keep an eye out for pedestrians, but it will also slow you down which goes to point #1 and is an added benefit of being extra cautious.  Taking a few extra minutes to drive through the streets of the Elm City could be a life or death proposition.

3.) Obey all street signs and street lights.  Street signs and street lights are put into place to help keep traffic (both vehicular and pedestrian) moving in a safe manner to avoid any undue accidents.  If you are not paying attention to these street indicators you may be putting yourself and pedestrians at risk of getting into an accident.  Take these signs and lights seriously and you will be able to avoid the type of incidents that can cause a serious accident.

Drivers and pedestrians have a responsibility to keep each other safe.  If one is following safety precautions and the other is not, the safety of all can be in jeopardy and there is a greater likelihood that a New Haven pedestrian accident may occur.  If both parties are taking their safety duties seriously there is a greater likelihood that all will remain safe and free from this type of accident that is plaguing our communities.

If you or a loved one were injured in a pedestrian accident there may be a need for you to speak with an experienced attorney.  Contact our office and one of our attorneys will speak with you to learn about your particular situation.  We may be able to work with you to protect your long-term interests.