After a recent Connecticut auto accident took the life of a 70-year old pedestrian, police and transportation officials are searching for reasons for the steep increase in accidents involving pedestrians in the state. Over the last few years, accidents involving pedestrians and motor vehicles are happening at an alarming rate that has officials looking back three decades to find the last time these types of incidents were this high.
What is behind this dramatic increase in these types of accidents?
After the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, police officers and the Department of Transportation have reported an increase in erratic behavior of drivers who are on the streets of Connecticut. These types of behaviors include things like texting while driving, traveling at excessive speeds, and driving while under the influence of substances like alcohol and marijuana. While these types of behaviors occurred pre-pandemic reports are that they are on the rise now more than ever.
To add to the problem, reports are that pedestrians are also engaging in these types of behaviors. In fact, pedestrians who are killed by a motor vehicle are increasingly being identified as having alcohol or some levels of THC in their system at the time of their death. It is clear that not only is operating a vehicle while under the influence of a substance dangerous and life threatening, so too is walking the streets and trying to get from point A to point B.
The combination of all of these factors have led to a sharp increase of fatalities that involve a pedestrian and a motor vehicle in the state of Connecticut over the last three years.
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In 2019 the state saw 55 fatalities that were involving a pedestrian and a motor vehicle.
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In 2020 that number increased from 55 to 61.
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The following year, 2021 the number dipped a little and moved from 61 deaths to 56.
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Overall in the past three years, officials are reporting that these types of deaths are at a high that hasn’t been seen in three decades.
Getting into a Connecticut auto accident can be dangerous and life threatening, but the damage can be even worse if you are a pedestrian under the influence of a substance and you get struck by a motor vehicle. Whether you are in a vehicle or are out walking the streets of your town or city your safest bet is to avoid substances like alcohol and drugs altogether until you are safely at your destination. If you are drinking or doing drugs you will be safest if you stay under the state’s legal limit.
Accidents do happen, and if you are involved in one that leads to an injury or fatality you may need to speak with an attorney. Contact our office and one of our experienced attorneys will speak with you about your particular situation and how they can work with you to protect your long-term interests.
