Connecticut Residents Forgo Motorized Forms of Transportation for Walking

Rain or shine, freezing or warm, a fair share of Connecticut residents forgo motorized forms of transportation and walk. Not only does walking improve health, but it can also help people save on transportation expenses. Unfortunately, taking to the streets in this way is not without risk. Pedestrian accidents happen, and the results can be deadly.

The most recent statistics offered by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration suggest that pedestrian fatalities are a real concern. In 2011 alone, well over 4,000 people across the country died as the result of auto-pedestrian accidents. That same year, 69,000 pedestrians were injured in accidents — 11,000 of those being children age 14 and under.

Pedestrian accidents seem to be most often reported during months of nice weather, but winter weather does not stop many of those who choose walking as their main form of transportation. Drivers and pedestrians alike need to be cautious of their surroundings all through the year to help prevent these accidents from occurring. To help educate the public on the severity of this issue, multiple pedestrian safety campaigns are underway at both state and national levels.

Pedestrian accidents that result in injuries or fatalities can be difficult to cope with on a number of levels. For those who do survive, the physical trauma can be quite severe and, in either case, the psychological and financial consequences suffered by the victims and/or their surviving family members can take heavy tolls. Legal recourse may be able to offer financial relief for the negative effects of such an accident. Personal injury and wrongful death claims that are successfully litigated in a Connecticut civil court may be awarded compensation for any damages sustained.

Source: nhtsa.gov, “Pedestrians“, Accessed on Feb. 24, 2015