Pedestrian Traffic Deaths In 2016: Connecticut Sees An Increase

By FEROZE DHANOA (Patch National Staff)

Pedestrian traffic fatalities in 2016 increased by roughly 33 percent in Connecticut compared with 2015, according to a new study by the Governor’s Highway Safety Association released Thursday.

According to the analysis of preliminary data, pedestrian traffic fatalities increased in 34 states and decreased in 15 states and the District of Columbia. Overall, the study estimates that the number of pedestrians killed in 2016 increased by 11 percent compared to 2015, the largest annual increase in both the number and percentage of pedestrian fatalities in 40 years. The increase for all of 2016 was estimated based on preliminary data provided by State Highway Safety Offices for the first half of 2016.

According to the study, between January-June 2016, there were 28 pedestrian traffic fatalities in Connecticut. For the same period in 2015, there were 21 pedestrian traffic fatalities.

The GHSA says factors such as increased driving, fuel prices and the amount of time people spent walking all likely contributed to the increase in pedestrian fatalities. A more recent factor for the increase may be the use of smartphones while walking and driving, which can be a source of distraction for both pedestrians and motorists.

As a percentage of total motor vehicle deaths, pedestrian deaths increased from 11 percent to 15 percent between 2006-2015.

The study also highlighted what states are doing to combat the increase in pedestrian fatalities. In Connecticut, the state produced TV and radio spots that ran in December 2016 to bring awareness to pedestrian safety. Connecticut also conducts road safety audits to identify problem areas for pedestrians. Rumble strips are being installed on many roadways in the state and bigger projects like road diets are being launched in some municipalities.

See also: Connecticut Woman's Body is Growing a Second Skeleton

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Photo by John Pastor via Flickr Commons