Connecticut DOT Halloween Warning: 31 Pedestrians Killed in Crashes This Year, Drivers Urged to Slow Down Tonight
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has issued a pedestrian safety reminder ahead of the Halloween weekend. Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto joined Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli, state and local law enforcement and safety advocates in Farmington to urge drivers to be especially alert in residential neighborhoods, near intersections and at crosswalks as children and families head out trick-or-treating tonight.
Preliminary data released by the department shows that 1,314 crashes involving pedestrians occurred on Connecticut roads in 2025, resulting in 67 pedestrian fatalities. Through September 30, 2026, preliminary data recorded 725 crashes involving pedestrians statewide, resulting in 31 pedestrian fatalities. Daylight saving time also ends overnight Saturday, with clocks falling back on Sunday, November 1, bringing earlier sunsets and reduced visibility during evening commutes in the days ahead.
Bysiewicz said Halloween can be "one of the most dangerous nights of the year for pedestrians, especially children," adding that watching out for each other can prevent injuries and save lives. Eucalitto told drivers to slow down, watch for people crossing the street and put distractions away: "As daylight hours decrease, staying alert and looking out for pedestrians becomes even more important."
Cafferelli noted that with Halloween on a Saturday night this year, roads, neighborhoods and bars will be busy, and urged anyone heading to a bar or restaurant to prearrange a sober ride; he added that although clocks fall back early Sunday, bargoers do not get a "bonus hour" — "just call the ride, get home safe, and enjoy the extra hour of sleep." State Police Commanding Officer Colonel Daniel Loughman urged drivers to slow down, stay alert and never drive impaired, and reminded parents to have children use designated crosswalks and stay aware of their surroundings. Watertown Police Chief Joshua Bernegger, who chairs the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association's Traffic Safety Committee, encouraged pedestrians to make themselves visible and cross streets safely.
CTDOT's tips for drivers include driving slowly through residential neighborhoods and watching for trick-or-treaters; slowing down near crosswalks and being prepared to stop, including when turning; never passing a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk, since a pedestrian may be crossing out of view; putting distractions away; using extra caution after dark and in bad weather; yielding to pedestrians at crosswalks and keeping a safe distance; checking carefully for pedestrians before backing up; obeying speed limits, especially in school zones and residential areas; and never driving impaired — planning a sober ride by designated driver, taxi, public transportation or rideshare in advance.
Source: GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：万圣节夜晚，孩子们在居民区上门讨糖（资料图，非康涅狄格州现场）。Sergiy Galyonkin 摄，CC BY-SA 2.0，经 Wikimedia Commons。 / Children trick-or-treating in a residential neighborhood on Halloween night (file photo, not a Connecticut scene). Photo by Sergiy Galyonkin, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
