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With pedestrian deaths on the rise, concerns grow over driver behavior

Balloons with messages and flowers hang at the Enfield High School football field for Jaylene Gonzalez, a 14-year-old freshman, who died after being hit by a truck while walking on Route 140 after school.
Yehyun Kim
/
CTMirror.org
Balloons with messages and flowers hang at the Enfield High School football field for Jaylene Gonzalez, a 14-year-old freshman, who died after being hit by a truck while walking on Route 140 after school. Gonzalez is one of at least 16 pedestrians killed by a vehicle on Connecticut roads as of March 14.

Pedestrian deaths reached a 40-year high in 2021, according to a preliminary report from the Governors Highway Safety Association.

In Connecticut, pedestrian deaths have more than doubled since 2011. The State Department of Transportation says this due in part to larger and heavier vehicles on the road, and more reckless driving during the pandemic.

This hour, we talk to CTDOT and one town engineer about how driver safety, transportation planning and enforcement all play a part in prevention.

We also hear from a West Hartford resident who was struck by a car while walking in a crosswalk in 2017.

GUESTS:

  • Stefanie Marco Lantz: Mixed Media Artist, KiNDSPiN Design; West Hartford Resident
  • Greg Sommer: Town Engineer, West Hartford
  • Garrett Eucalitto: Deputy Commissioner, Connecticut Department of Transportation

Where We Live is available as a podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe and never miss an episode.

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Katie is a producer for Connecticut Public Radio's news-talk show 'Where We Live.' She has previously worked for CNN and News 8-WTNH.
Lucy leads Connecticut Public's strategies to deeply connect and build collaborations with community-focused organizations across the state.