Southington Cites Sobering Stats In Urging Vehicular Safety For 2023

SOUTHINGTON, CT — The Town of Southington hasn't been immune to the epidemic of traffic and pedestrian fatalities on statewide roads in 2022.

And, utilizing some sobering state statistics, Southington officials Friday issued a call to arms for local residents to do what they can to stay safe in 2023.

In a social media post Friday morning, Southington urged locals to click on a pro-pedestrian/traffic safety website to educate themselves and, simply, "be a good role model in your community and around the state, whether driving, running or walking."

The town urged folks to "follow the rules of the road and always be alert."

Specifically, Southington asked residents to click onto the "WatchForMeCT" website, an information site chock full of tips to keep folks safe on the roads and sidewalks.

It is headed by the state Department of Transportation and the Connecticut Children's Injury Prevention Center.

"We have a problem in Connecticut and it’s one we all need to focus on solving. Pedestrians are being killed on our roadways in record numbers," wrote the Town of Southington.

"Each one is a loss not only to the family and friends of the victim, but to our towns and cities as these people were part of that community. We are all connected and affected by these losses."

Among the sobering statistics cited by Southington and attributed to the state are a 41.59 percent increase in fatal vehicle accidents in Connecticut in 2022; a 25 percent increases in fatal bicycle incidents; an 8.01 percent hike in fatal motorcycle crashes; and a 31.12 percent increase in deadly pedestrian incidents.

While towns like West Hartford grapple with a situation that saw five people die on local roads at the end of 2022, Southington hasn't been immune from the problem.

In August, a man was struck and killed while crossing Queen Street in Southington and an 18-year-old male was dead after crashing into a wooded area off Main Street Dec. 4.

For the "WatchForMeCT" website, click on this link.

From Aug. 31: 'Police ID Man Killed By Car In Southington'

From Dec. 5: '18-Year-Old Male Killed In Southington Crash'