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Connecticut: 27th most dangerous state for peds

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Connecticut: 27th most dangerous state for pedestrians

A new report revealed the frequency of pedestrian accidents in Connecticut.

As the weather is becoming more pleasant, an increasing number of people will choose to travel on foot in Connecticut. Walking has significant health benefits, but those on foot must be cautious of motor vehicles when traveling on or near a road.

According to a recent report – Dangerous by Design – Connecticut is the 27th most dangerous state in the nation for pedestrians. The report was completed by the National Complete Streets Coalition, a group working to improve safety for pedestrians across the country.

From 2003 to 2012, over 350 pedestrians were killed in Connecticut, according to the report. In addition, Hartford was one of the most dangerous counties in the state in terms of the number of pedestrian fatalities.

In Connecticut, pedestrians aged 65 and above were disproportionately at risk of being involved in a collision with a motor vehicle. The study revealed that individuals 65 years of age and older comprised 28 percent of the pedestrian fatalities in the state between 2003 and 2012. This age group makes up less than 14 percent of the state’s overall population, however.

In addition, the risk of a fatal pedestrian accident was higher on streets with faster speed limits in Connecticut. Over 35 percent of the pedestrian fatalities took place on roads with posted speeds of 40 mph or more.

The danger of pedestrian accidents across the country

Some of the trends noted among pedestrian fatalities in Connecticut are true of the United States as a whole. For instance, older Americans are at a higher risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In all, older Americans account for 19 percent of all pedestrian fatalities and 11 percent of pedestrians who suffer injuries in the United States.

In addition to older pedestrians, young children are at an increased risk of being involved in a pedestrian accident. The likelihood of a pedestrian accident also increases if the motorist or pedestrian has consumed alcohol, according to the CDC. In 27 percent of the fatal pedestrian accidents, the motorist or the pedestrian was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.

When a motorist collides with a pedestrian, the consequences for the individual on foot are often severe. In such cases, the negligent motorist should be held accountable for causing the collision. If you or someone you love has been involved in a pedestrian accident in Connecticut, talk to a knowledgeable personal injury attorney about your potential options to recover damages.

Keywords: pedestrian accidents, Connecticut