Connecticut's Transportation Committee has raised urgent concerns regarding rising roadway fatalities during a recent oversight hearing with the Department of Transportation. The meeting highlighted alarming statistics from 2023, which recorded 328 fatalities on state roads, marking a troubling trend in traffic safety.

Officials noted that while 2024's numbers are not as high as the peak in 2022, they still exceed the averages from previous years, including 2020 and 2021. Particularly concerning is the significant increase in fatalities among pedestrians and motorcyclists, with motorcyclist deaths reaching unprecedented levels compared to historical data.

The committee emphasized the need for immediate action to reverse this trend, as the current trajectory indicates a worsening situation. The goal remains clear: to reduce roadway fatalities to zero, a mandate that appears increasingly challenging given the recent uptick in wrong-way fatal crashes.

As discussions continue, the committee is expected to explore strategies and initiatives aimed at enhancing road safety and protecting vulnerable road users. The implications of these findings are critical, as they underscore the urgent need for effective measures to ensure the safety of all Connecticut residents on the road.