How To Safely Cross A Crosswalk Under This New Connecticut Law

New Haven pedestrian accidents and pedestrian accidents throughout the state of Connecticut are climbing and they hit a new high last year.  That was the impetus behind a new law passed by the State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Lamont.  The Zero Vision law was passed as a way to make our streets safer for all who use them.

While there is a lot to unpack in the new law there is one provision that pedestrians should become familiar with immediately.  Not only will the new rules help save your life, but it will also expedite your ability to cross the street in a timely manner.

Under the old law in Connecticut if you were standing at a crosswalk a vehicle wasn’t required to stop until you stepped out into the road.  This could be dangerous and lead to pedestrian accidents even when people, both pedestrian and driver, were technically following the law.  With the new law, you can now signal to a on-coming car before you step out into the road to let them know that you would like to cross at the crosswalk.  How do you take advantage of this new law to keep yourself safe.  You can simply stand on the sidewalk at a crosswalk, wave your hand at the on-coming traffic to indicate that you wish to cross and then the driver must stop to allow you to cross.

New laws often take time to implement and get both pedestrians and drivers accustomed to them, but over time it is expected that this small change in the law will have a large impact on the number of New Haven pedestrian accidents that are seen each year across the Elm City and throughout the state of Connecticut.

When you’re crossing the street and doing it according to the law you have the right to expect that you will be able to be safe.  If you’ve been injured as the result of an accident where the driver of the car did not acknowledge your signal, you may need an attorney to review your case.  Contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys can work with you to protect your long-term interests.