Kennedy, CTDOT and the DESPP Highlight Decline in 2025 Traffic Fatalities
Key Takeaways
- Officials credit targeted enforcement and education for the 2025 drop in traffic deaths
- CTDOT highlights infrastructure and data-driven safety projects reducing roadway fatalities
- DESPP emphasizes tougher enforcement and interagency coordination to protect drivers
- Policymakers call to sustain funding and expand proven traffic safety programs
Kennedy, CTDOT and the DESPP Highlight Decline in 2025 Traffic Fatalities
HARTFORD - State Representative Kathy Kennedy, the Ranking Member of the legislature's Transportation Committee along with the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Wednesday highlighted that traffic fatalities in the state fell 12% in 2025 compared with the previous year. Preliminary data from CTDOT’s Highway Safety Office show 274 roadway deaths in 2025, down from 312 in 2024 during a press conference at the Connecticut State Police Troop H Barracks in Hartford.
“The decline in overall traffic fatalities shows that education, enforcement, and smart safety investments are making a difference,” said State Representative Kathy Kennedy, Ranking Member of the Transportation Committee. “But the rise in pedestrian and bicycle deaths is deeply concerning and reminds us that we must do more to protect our most vulnerable road users. As policymakers, we have a responsibility to continue strengthening safety measures, addressing speeding, and designing roadways that work for everyone—whether you’re driving, walking, or biking.”
While the overall number of traffic fatalities declined, data show troubling trends for vulnerable road users. In 2025, bicycle fatalities increased 67% and pedestrian deaths rose 6% compared with the five-year average, with speeding remaining a leading factor in serious crashes.
Early 2026 data show 12 traffic fatalities statewide through January 27, compared with 23 during the same period in 2025 and 21 in 2024.
“While we are encouraged by the reduction in fatalities, even one death on our roadways is too many,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “We remain focused on improving safety for everyone who uses Connecticut roads.”
“Since I arrived on the job in late 2023, reducing highway fatalities has been one of our top priorities at the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection,” said Commissioner Ronnell A. Higgins. “Our targeted enforcement has helped to decrease fatal collisions on roadways patrolled by the Connecticut State Police by 26 percent. We will continue to work closely with our state and municipal partners to reduce fatalities in the weeks and months to come.”
Officials noted pedestrian fatalities remain a concern despite the overall decline.
“Traffic safety requires a shared commitment,” said Colonel Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police. “Enforcement, education, and responsible driving all play a role in preventing serious crashes.”
“Even with overall fatalities down, our work isn’t done,” said Watertown Police Chief Josh Bernegger, Chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee. “Police across the state remain committed to keeping our roadways safe by addressing behaviors that lead to serious crashes, including speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving. Everyone has a role to play in preventing tragedies on our roadways.”
The figures are preliminary and subject to revision as crash investigations are completed. Some incidents initially classified as traffic fatalities may later be excluded if they do not meet federal Fatality Analysis Reporting System criteria.
Fatality data are compiled by the Highway Safety Office, with analysis support from the Connecticut Transportation Safety Research Center at the University of Connecticut.
More information on Connecticut roadway safety initiatives is available at portal.ct.gov/dot.