West Hartford Safety Initiative Targets Crosswalks

WEST HARTFORD, CT — Town efforts to improve pedestrian and vehicle safety in West Hartford are targeting something all motorists see, but many ignore — crosswalks.

The West Hartford Vision Zero initiative is a town project done in the wake of several pedestrian/vehicle accidents (many fatal) in recent years.

Recently, the Vision Zero movement has targeted the safe use of crosswalks in its ongoing safety campaign.

West Hartford recently posted public service announcements about crosswalks, specifically the warning lights attached to 30 of them throughout the town (with more being installed).

While it is the law to stop for pedestrians in crosswalks, many drivers don't, and that has had fatal consequences in West Hartford.

The lights are seen as an added boost in making pedestrians visible to motorists, especially in the dark or at dusk.

"Crosswalk Warning Lights are an essential part of Vision Zero," wrote the town recently.

"They make pedestrians more visible and make crossing the street safer, especially after dark. Utilizing these warning lights is vital to creating a safer West Hartford and eliminating pedestrian and car collisions."

Vision Zero is so named because it strives to have "zero" fatalities and serious injuries due to pedestrian/vehicle accidents.

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