Posted on December 14, 2021
Following a tragic hit-and-run crash that killed one pedestrian and severely injured another on Route 67 in Seymour Friday night, State Representative Nicole Klarides-Ditria (R-105) and State Senate Republican Leader Kevin Kelly (R-21) and Senator Eric Berthel (R-32) in a letter asked Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Giulietti to consider ordering a road safety audit of the area.
Unfortunately, despite a uniformed police officer directing traffic at a nearby funeral home on the night of the crash, the vehicle involved fled the scene and has not yet been identified. Witnesses described the vehicle as a dark colored SUV.
“I cannot imagine the pain these families have now been forced to confront during the holiday season. Tragedies like this are preventable and while the ultimate responsibility rests with the cowardly driver who struck these people and fled, we’re requesting the DOT undertake a review of this area to identify needed safety improvements to hopefully prevent this type of crash in the future,” Rep. Klarides-Ditria said.
“My heart goes out to the family facing this unimaginable tragedy. We are asking DOT to consider a safety review of the area to ensure we are doing everything possible to prevent something like this from ever happening again,” State Sen. Republican Leader Kevin Kelly said.
“First, my sincere condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones and the perpetrator must be brought to justice. This tragedy is one that possibly could have been prevented, which makes this even more disturbing. The area population has significantly increased, and therefore the volume of traffic far exceeds the safety standards at the time of construction. We need a complete safety audit of this segment of Route 67 that reflects modern traffic patterns,” State Sen. Eric Berthel said..
In the letter, the veteran legislators called on the Department of Transportation to conduct a road safety audit for the area that will include not only an examination of lighting, but also of crosswalks, signage, traffic volume, and any other factors that contribute to road safety in the vicinity.
“Over the years, this part of Route 67 has experienced tremendous growth in traffic volume with many new families moving to our part of the state, and modernizations are needed in order to keep pedestrians and motorists safe. We look forward to working with you on this issue and we are available to answer any questions or to assist in any way necessary,” they wrote.