Two Pedestrian Deaths in One Day, a Disturbing Reminder

AAA Urges Drivers and Pedestrians to Look Out for One Another, Limit Distractions 

Following the deaths of two pedestrians in separate incidents across Connecticut in less than 12 hours, AAA is reminding drivers and pedestrians to look out for one another and limit distractions so that history does not repeat itself.

In 2016, a record seven pedestrians were killed during the first week of December, five of them within one 24 hour period.

“There have already been 45 pedestrian deaths on Connecticut roads this year, most of them after dark,” says Amy Parmenter, spokesperson for AAA in Greater Hartford. “As the days get shorter, it is critical that everyone on our roads – both drivers and pedestrians alike – do everything they can to minimize risks”.

According to police, a pedestrian was killed Wednesday morning while crossing the street in North Haven. And a second pedestrian was killed Wednesday afternoon on Rt. 83 in Vernon.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, (NHTSA) pedestrian deaths as a percentage of all traffic fatalities have been climbing steadily for at least ten years.

AAA, the CT DOT and our traffic safety partners across the state have been looking closely at this disturbing trend to try to identify contributing factors.

“While there are several factors at play, distraction of both drivers and pedestrians continues to be a growing concern,” Parmenter says.

AAA encourages pedestrians to ‘walk defensively’. "Don’t assume you can be seen, assume you can’t be seen and adjust your behavior accordingly,” Parmenter says.

AAA pedestrian safety tips for drivers:

• Avoid getting out of your vehicle or walking on a busy highway. If your vehicle is disabled try to find a safe place to pull over and call for help.
• Don’t use your cellphone; limit distractions
• Don’t drink (or do drugs) and drive
• Use your bright headlights when safe to do so

AAA pedestrian safety tips for pedestrians:

• Cross at intersections
• Be as visible as possible - don’t wear dark clothing; wear reflective clothing when possible
• When possible, use sidewalks
• Walk defensively – assume you cannot be seen.

Follow us on Twitter: @AAAHartfordNews