Families to speak at World Day of Remembrance in Hartford to help curb traffic fatalities in state
Last year, 90 pedestrians and cyclists were killed, according to statistics.
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Families are taking steps to curb the number of traffic fatalities in Connecticut.
Last year, 90 pedestrians and cyclists were killed, according to statistics.
"There's no word in the English language for parents that have lost children," said Judy Proctor, from Southport.
Proctor lost her son Charlie three years ago.
He was hit and killed by a car while he was riding his bike outside Boston.
"He was just a bright light, full of energy," said Proctor.
Two years ago, Marileidy Morel-Araujo was walking along Redding Road in Fairfield when she was struck and killed by a Jeep that fled the scene.
Four months ago, Meghan Raveis was also hit and killed on Redding Road in Fairfield.
"When you have names, when you have ages, when you have places where they died this is something that becomes very personal and this is what will compel us to action," said Proctor.
Three families from Fairfield will be speaking at this month's first statewide World
Day of Remembrance at Bushnell Park in Hartford.
The event will honor road traffic victims, their families and friends and first responders.
"These were people who had people who loved them that were giving back to the world in their own ways, and they were taken too soon," said road safety advocate Sarah Roy.
Statistics show that Connecticut had over 360 traffic fatalities last year and is already at about 230 this year.
Roy says we need to change the culture.
"We have to put the comfort and safety of all users above the convenience of some," said Roy.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation says through education, enforcement, infrastructure improvements, and policy changes, it will use every available resource to reduce the number of deaths and injuries on our roads.
World Day of Remembrance is Nov. 19.
More information can be found here.
