New CT Laws Designed To Make Pedestrians Safer
New statistics show how shockingly unsafe it is just to walk across the street in Connecticut.
Even though the total number of pedestrian accidents was cut in half in 2020 due to the drop in traffic, the number of fatalities still went up by about 10%. Source
Distracted, irresponsible and reckless drivers are the cause of far too many pedestrian accidents.
Whenever you are crossing the street, please be extremely cautious whether you have the right of way in a crosswalk or not. Being “in the right’ is great when you’re in court, but it’s of no comfort when you’re in a hospital bed.
As of October 1, 2021, new pedestrian laws went into effect to create a safer environment for pedestrians. Drivers will be required to slow or stop if a pedestrian:
- is within any portion of the crosswalk
- steps to the curb at a crosswalk’s entrance and indicates intent to cross by raising a hand or arm to oncoming traffic
- Extends any body part, cane or walking stick into the crosswalk entrance
Another new law requires drivers passing ice cream trucks in the process of selling ice cream to stop and proceed slowly.
If you or anyone you know have questions, or need a compassionate Connecticut attorney, contact Berman and Russo at (860) 497-5811.
