Fatal pedestrian accident in Stamford, Connecticut
Recently, a pedestrian was hit and killed by a motor vehicle in Stamford, Connecticut.
For the second time in two months, a pedestrian accident in Stamford resulted in a pedestrian fatality.
According to reports, the pedestrian was crossing Hoyt Street in a designated crosswalk, when a woman driving an SUV collided with her. The motorist was making a left hand turn from Summer Street onto Hoyt Street.
The pedestrian was removed from the scene and taken to Stamford Hospital, but tragically did not survive the injuries she suffered in the crash. The SUV driver was also taken to the hospital to be treated for injuries, although they were not considered life threatening.
Pedestrian accidents a serious issue in Connecticut
In Connecticut and across the country, collisions between motor vehicles and pedestrians are a serious concern.
According to a recent report – Dangerous by Design 2014 – conducted by Smart Growth America, Connecticut ranks 27th across the country when it comes to pedestrian safety.
In all, 351 pedestrians in Connecticut died in collisions with motor vehicles from 2003 to 2012, according to the report. Pedestrian fatalities accounted for 12.6 percent of all traffic deaths in the state during that period.
Both in Connecticut and across the United States, older individuals are more at risk of being injured or killed in a pedestrian accident. From 2003 to 2010, Connecticut residents aged 65 and above accounted for over 28 percent of all pedestrian fatalities in the state. Nevertheless, adults over the age of 65 represent just under 14 percent of the state’s population.
In the U.S., older Americans accounted for 19 percent of the pedestrian fatalities and 11 percent of the injuries suffered in pedestrian accidents in 2010, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Pedestrians can follow some safety tips to reduce the likelihood of a serious collision with a motor vehicle. Unfortunately, they may not always be successful. For instance, pedestrians are always advised to cross the street in a designated crosswalk. According to reports, the pedestrian fatally hit in Stamford was in a crosswalk at the time of the collision.
While they may not eliminate the chance of a crash, however, it is a good idea for pedestrians to be as safe as possible. Pedestrians should also use sidewalks when they are available and wear brightly colored clothing, to help ensure motorists are able to spot them.
When a motorist collides with a pedestrian, the individual on foot is more likely to suffer severe injuries as a result of the crash. Oftentimes, the motor vehicle driver is responsible for the crash. In such cases, the injured pedestrian should take steps to hold the motorist accountable for the damage done in the accident. If you have been involved in a pedestrian accident in Connecticut, seek the counsel of a skilled personal injury attorney, who will be able to advise you regarding the best course of action.
Keywords: pedestrian, accident, Connecticut