CT Study Promotes 'Concurrent' Crosswalk Safety
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Could technology help prevent Connecticut pedestrian accidents?
Connecticut has too many pedestrian accidents. And the problem is getting worse.
From January 2021 to September of this year, Connecticut reported 1,884 car accidents involving pedestrians. In September alone, there were 74.
In 2020, there were 61 pedestrians who died in Connecticut traffic accidents, which is eight more than the previous year.
To combat the dangers, eight cities and towns in Connecticut, including Groton, Bridgeport, Clinton, Danbury, Darien, Middletown, Shelton, and Windham, had new upgraded crossing signal lights installed as a part of a new research project.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) and the University of Connecticut have each been researching and studying crossing signals to reduce the number of pedestrian accidents. They've found that "concurrent" crosswalk technology may improve vehicle traffic flow and reduce the risk of pedestrian accidents.
Upgraded crossing signals
Typically, when a pedestrian pushes the button to cross a road, all traffic lights turn red in every direction. However, sometimes pedestrians run out of time to cross or assume no vehicles are coming and cross before the signal turns on.
By making it more apparent when it is safe to cross, researchers say that crosswalks with upgraded "concurrent" pedestrian technology will remove unnecessary disruptions to vehicle or foot traffic. Concurrent pedestrian signals leave the light green for cars traveling in a parallel direction.
Too many cars?
Converting to concurrent pedestrian crossing signals is a step in the right direction, but the influx of cars is another rising problem. Many of the state's roads accommodate more vehicles rather than being designed for pedestrian traffic. According to the CT Mirror, the presence of larger and heavier cars, speeding, and distracted driving add to the number of pedestrian deaths every year.
Larger cars are much more present on the roads of Connecticut, and many are not shy of speeding or distracted driving. For example, last March, a teenage soccer player was struck and killed by a distracted trucker along the east side of North Road (Route 140) in East Windsor.
DOT officials believe many motorists are driving more recklessly with no fear of being pulled over.
How a Connecticut car accident lawyer can help
It's not only Connecticut where pedestrians are at an increased risk of becoming car accident victims. It's a national problem. Since 2011, the number of pedestrian fatalities has more than doubled.
If you or a loved one was hit by a car in Connecticut, you may be entitled to compensation. A pedestrian accident can change your life. Getting the compensation and justice you deserve is frequently complicated, but an experienced Connecticut pedestrian accident attorney can help make you whole again.
The legal team at Vishno Law Firm has the knowledge and experience that gets results. In addition, our law firm offers legal representation on contingency. That means you pay no fees unless we win your case.
To learn more about your legal options and how we can help you, contact us today for a free consultation.