How to make Connecticut roads safe for pedestrians

"We understand the conditions that lead to pedestrian deaths, and we have proven tools to prevent these tragedies. It's time to put these tools to use. We must redesign Connecticut's roads and enhance traffic enforcement to make our roads safe for everyone."  

So writes Amy Schwartz, a primary care physician at VA Connecticut Healthcare System and a member of Elm City Cycling in a recent op-ed in the CT Post. 

Schwartz calls for Governor Malloy to direct the Connecticut Department of Transportation to redesign the outdated Connecticut Highway Design Manual, the standard reference book used by the state's road designers and engineers, to include information about designing streets that are safe for all users.

"Speed and red light cameras can enforce traffic laws by recording vehicles that exceed the speed limit or fail to stop at red lights," continues Schwartz, who adds that "Connecticut should also pass a vulnerable-users bill to increase penalties for careless drivers who injure or kill pedestrians, cyclists or highway workers."

> Read the full CT Post op-ed from Amy Schwartz, a primary care physician at VA Connecticut Healthcare System and a member of Elm City Cycling.