Increase In CT Motor Vehicle Deaths

West Hartford saw 1,340 car crashes between January 1 and November 30, 2022. These crashes resulted in five deaths. Three people died in a tragic two-car crash on Christmas morning at Simsbury Road in West Hartford. The three people who lost their lives on Christmas Day include 17-year-old Raheim Dantae Barry Nelson, 52-year-old Faye Dawson-Judkins, and 55-year-old Novelette Bailey.

As dreadful as these Christmas deaths were, two pedestrians also died in local car crashes a few days before. 89-year-old Eugenia Yurovsky of West Hartford was hit by a car and killed near the intersection of Whiting Lane and Boulevard on December 20. 60-year-old Carlos Galarza of Bridgeport succumbed to his injuries on December 22 after getting hit by a car on Mohegan Drive on December 21.

According to Mary Donegan, West Hartford resident and bike activist from Bike West Hartford, residents aren’t empowered. They don’t have confidence in their town’s existing groups, advisory boards, and task forces to affect the government, and this needs to change as soon as possible.

Negligent Driving Behaviors And Faulty Road Designs Are Driving Increased Motor Vehicle Deaths In CT

Some West Hartford citizens believe car accidents occur due to poor roadway design, while others believe crashes occur due to reckless and speeding drivers. They believe the roadway design in Hartford and most places in Connecticut are set up for people to fail, citing the width of the roadways as a crucial factor.

To address this issue, city and town planners in CT have begun planning to decrease the width and number of lanes to help increase safety and slow car traffic. One of these plans is for Asylum Avenue, which will transform the four-lane roadway into a two-lane roadway with a center turning lane.

But other citizens blame reckless and negligent driving behaviors as the reason for car crashes. According to Tracy Frankel, a West Hartford resident and regular cyclist, it’s at the point where she expects drivers to speed through red lights and drive over the posted speed limit. She has also seen more people walking or biking instead of driving in the last several years.

With more and more people flocking to the streets to bike and walk and drivers becoming increasingly reckless, the local government must adapt how it addresses transportation needs.

Seek Legal Advice From A Skilled CT Roadside Lawyer Now

The CT roadside lawyers at Berman & Russo provide free initial case reviews for people who have been injured in car accidents. They can also assist people who have lost a loved one in a car crash by filing a wrongful death suit. Whether the liable party is another driver or a government entity, their CT roadside lawyers are prepared to hold the negligent party accountable and secure fair compensation for those hurt in car crashes.

Reach them online or call their office at 860-644-1548 to set up an appointment with a CT roadside lawyer today.