According to the Stamford Advocate, a Trinity College student died on March 31, 2022, after a hit and run collision that took place at the intersection of Henry Street and New Britain Avenue. Police have identified the student as a 20-year-old from Vermont.
Alarmingly, the deceased was not the only person struck by the fleeing driver. Two other pedestrians suffered injuries—one of whom was listed as in critical but stable condition. The third victim had only minor injuries. All three were students at nearby Trinity.
At Tehrani Law Group, we advocate for the rights of pedestrians. Our Glastonbury personal injury lawyer hopes that all members of the public will exercise caution when out on the roads.
Pedestrians at Risk
We wish this was the only pedestrian accident in the Hartford area. Unfortunately, we have seen multiple crashes, especially in the evening. On January 1, for example, a 51-year-old man was struck and killed while walking along Albany Avenue in Hartford at night. And on March 17, a 69-year-old man was struck and killed by a garbage truck in Hartford. These are only a few of the many accidents which gravely injure pedestrians.
Indeed, according to the Hartford Courant, there were 16 pedestrian deaths in Connecticut from January 1 to March 14. In 2020, the state saw 65 pedestrian deaths compared to a mere 26 in 2011. These statistics do not account for the hundreds of people who survive but are seriously hurt.
Experts attribute the rise to an increase in large vehicles like SUVs on the road. But we also believe that increased driver distraction is to blame. Increased phone usage and other distractions behind the wheel have contributed to collisions—with pedestrians paying the price.
How Pedestrians Can Protect Themselves
There are some simple steps that pedestrians can take to reduce the odds of a crash. Of course, nothing can make walking 100% safe. But if you follow these tips, you increase the odds that you will make it to your destination without injury:
- Walk on the sidewalk, if available. Only walk on the shoulder of the road if there is no sidewalk.
- Cross only at the intersection. If you jaywalk, you are making it easier for cars to hit you.
- Don’t look at your phone or listen to music with earbuds or headphones. These distractions impair your ability to see or hear an oncoming car.
- Walk facing traffic if you are on the shoulder. This helps you see if a car is drifting or swerving off the road, and you can jump out of the way.
- Stop before entering a crosswalk, even if the light signals it’s okay to cross. Just double-check that no car is barreling toward you.
- Put reflective tape on your jacket or backpack. This tape will help you stand out in the evening when it is hard to see.
Contact Our Connecticut Personal Injury Lawyers if You’re Hurt
Tehrani Law Group remains committed to pedestrian safety. And to that end, we can help any injured pedestrian seek compensation in a personal injury claim or lawsuit against a dangerous driver. To learn more, give us a call to schedule a consultation.