Lieutenant Governor Promotes Vision Zero in Westport, Pushing to End Pedestrian Fatalities

(L-R) First Selectman Jim Marpe, (behind) State Senator Will Haskell, State Representative Stephanie Thomas, Westport Police Chief Foti Koskinas, Westport Deputy Police Chief Sam Arciola, Westport-Weston Chamber of Commerce President Matt Mandell, and State Representative Jonathan Steinberg. WWCC Contributed photo

Connecticut Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewitz was downtown today to promote the State’s new Vision Zero movement . “Zero” refers to the hopeful number of pedestrians who are killed by motor vehicles in the State under the new legislation, especially while crossing streets such as Post Road - known as one of the most deadly pedestrian corridors in the State. (click here to read more)

H.B. No. 5429 began in January after being introduced by the House Transportation Committee, and was signed by Governor Ned Lamont in June. The bill outlined items such as an increase in fines for distracted driving or driving in a way that impedes pedestrians or bicyclists, or supporting the use of automated traffic enforcement devices within school zones or work zones.

The State also announced the release of a virtual meeting of the Vision Zero Council, with Garrett Eucalitto, CTDOT Deputy Commissioner and Vision Zero Council Chair saying: “By bringing diverse perspectives together on the Vision Zero Council and engaging with and listening to the concerns of the public and safety stakeholders, we can better shape our approach to making Connecticut’s transportation system safer for all users.” Members of the public can register for the online meeting here.