The state of Connecticut saw a large uptick in Connecticut pedestrian accidents last year. The number of deaths that resulted from these accidents skyrocketed 20% to 65 in the calendar year 2020. That is an astronomical increase that if left unchecked could be devastating for our communities.
During its most recent session, the Connecticut General Assembly passed a new law that is designed to curb that increase and get the state to zero pedestrian deaths. It is called the Vision Zero law and its aim is to eliminate all fatalities that are related to pedestrian accidents in the state.
Some of the provisions that are included in the new law are:
-
Fines for anyone who is driving while distracted which can result in higher speeds and more deadly crashes.
-
The ability for local communities to make assessments of their own roads and the speed limits that could be allowed on those roads.
-
An independent traffic safety council that will make additional recommendations on issues relating to the safety of all who use Connecticut’s roads.
-
A new way for pedestrians to signal that they want to cross the street - now, instead of having to step out onto a crosswalk to signal an on-coming car to stop, the pedestrian can signal using their hand for the traffic to slow and allow her/him to cross.
The new law also bans “dooring” which is the practice of drivers or passengers in cars opening their doors abruptly into on-coming pedestrian traffic. This act usually involves a cyclist who is coming down the street or on a sidewalk at a high speed and is hit by the opening of the door.
While no law can protect all pedestrians from injury, this law’s aim is to put the necessary rules in place that give pedestrians and cyclists more tools to keep themselves safe. With Connecticut pedestrian accidents on the rise, the new law is a step forward in keeping us all safe.
