Road safety in Connecticut is in a state of crisis, with fatal crashes reaching historic highs. In 2022, the state recorded 366 road deaths, the most in over 40 years. As of late 2024, more than 260 fatalities have already been reported, suggesting that this year could surpass previous records. Several factors contribute to the ongoing problem, ranging from driver behavior to road design, and some areas are more hazardous than others.
Cities at the Center of the Crisis
Data from the Connecticut Crash Data Repository (CTCDR) indicates that many fatal crashes occurred in the state's most populous cities. Approximately one-fifth of these incidents between 2015 and 2024 happened in New Haven, Hartford, Waterbury, Bridgeport, and Stamford—the five cities with the highest population. These urban areas often feature heavily trafficked roads and busy intersections, making them hotspots for deadly accidents.
Dangerous Roads Across the State
Pedestrian vulnerability remains a significant issue in Connecticut, particularly along "arterial roads" designed for higher-speed traffic. Historically, roads such as US-1 (Boston Post Road) and SR-10 have posed the greatest risks, with frequent accidents involving both adults and young pedestrians. Additionally, Washington Boulevard in Stamford stands out as a particularly dangerous stretch. Nicknamed the "Boulevard of Death," the road has seen several fatalities in recent years due to its highway-like design, which encourages speeding despite posted speed limits of 25 mph. For instance, in December 2022, two young pedestrians lost their lives at the intersection with Main Street, where speed and possible intoxication played roles in the crash.
Why Are Crashes Increasing?
Speeding and Reckless Driving: Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, risky driving behaviors such as excessive speeding have become more common. Even as traffic volumes returned to pre-pandemic levels, some drivers have maintained these dangerous habits.
Impaired Driving: Drunk driving remains a significant problem, accounting for roughly 42% of traffic fatalities in 2022. Drug-impaired driving is also on the rise, further compounding the risks.
Outdated Infrastructure: Many roads in Connecticut are not designed with modern safety standards in mind. Highways like I-84, I-91, Route 8, and Route 9 are prone to accidents due to narrow shoulders and poorly designed intersections.
Pedestrian Safety Issues: The rise in pedestrian fatalities highlights the need for better infrastructure, such as raised crosswalks, traffic calming measures, and adequate street lighting. Busy roads, particularly near bus stops, are often deadly for those on foot.
Efforts to Improve Safety
Connecticut is taking steps to address the alarming trends in road safety:
- Increased Law Enforcement: The state is focusing more on speed and DUI enforcement, with the use of sobriety checkpoints and targeted speed zones.
- Infrastructure Upgrades: Investments are being made to modernize intersections, expand sidewalks, add bike lanes, and implement safer crosswalks.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Education efforts aim to inform the public about the dangers of speeding, distracted driving, and impaired driving.
National Teen Driver Safety Week: Encouraging Safer Habits
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is actively promoting road safety for teens during National Teen Driver Safety Week from October 20-26, 2024. Partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), CTDOT is urging parents and guardians to discuss the dangers of risky driving behaviors with young drivers. In 2022, an estimated 1,037 teen drivers in Connecticut were involved in crashes, leading to nearly 2,033 injuries—a figure that accounted for almost 6% of all roadway injuries that year. "Talking to your teens about the dangers of risky driving behaviors can be lifesaving," said CTDOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto.
The Road Ahead
If Connecticut continues on its current trajectory, 2024 could mark the deadliest year for road users in the state. Addressing this crisis will require comprehensive action, including stricter traffic law enforcement, significant infrastructure upgrades, and expanded public education efforts to ensure all road users' safety.
By focusing on these areas, Connecticut can work towards reversing the rising trend in road fatalities and make its streets safer for everyone.
Sources: Connecticut Department of Transportation, Stamford Advocate, Connecticut Crash Data Repository (CTCDR), Tri-State Transportation Campaign reports, NHTSA.