Life-Saving Swag Available At West Hartford Town Hall, Libraries

WEST HARTFORD, CT — The town's ongoing battle for pedestrian, motorist, and bicyclist safety continues with some free, potentially life-saving items available in West Hartford.

The Town of West Hartford's "Vision Zero" initiative is behind the availability of free reflective armbands and magnets at West Hartford Town Hall, 50 S. Main St., along with West Hartford's three public libraries.

"Vision Zero" is the town-wide project undertaken by local officials last year in its quest to have zero fatalities and serious injuries on local roadways and sidewalks.

In recent years, West Hartford has had many pedestrians struck and, sometimes, killed at night.

During the early morning hours of June 1, a 63-year-old New Britain man was killed after being struck by a vehicle on New Britain Avenue and South Main Street, with the motorist charged a few days later.

Officials with the town's "Vision Zero" group said darkness is a major obstacle for pedestrians and can have serious ramifications.

"Did you know 75 percent of pedestrian deaths happen in the dark?" wrote local officials.

"When it’s nighttime, always be extra careful and watch for pedestrians, especially in areas where people walk. "

Officials also said if someone sees a car stopped at a crosswalk, never try to pass it.

"It’s dangerous, and at night, there’s an even higher chance a pedestrian might be crossing that the driver can't see," wrote the town.

People are invited to visit the town's Vision Zero webpage at this link to take the safe drivers pledge and help us make West Hartford safer.

From June 7: 'Suspect In Custody In Hit-And-Run That Injured Pedestrian: West Hartford Police: UPDATE'

From June 2: 'Victim Identified In Fatal West Hartford Accident: Police: UPDATE'

From March 3, 2024: 'WeHa Council Seeks 'Cultural' Change On Traffic Safety'

From Dec. 7, 2023: 'One Year After Tragedies, West Hartford Pledges Safer Roads'