Traffic & Transit

AAA Honors Barrington For No Pedestrian Fatalities In 10 Years

A recent report by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety found that Barrington has not experienced a pedestrian fatality in 60 years.

AAA has recognized Barrington for its pedestrian safety record.
AAA has recognized Barrington for its pedestrian safety record. (Shutterstock)

BARRINGTON, RI —AAA Northeast has recognized Barrington for its pedestrian safety record following a recent report by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

The report revealed that, over a 10-year period, the number of pedestrians killed in motor vehicle crashes in the United States increased by 55 percent from 2009 to 2018 after three decades of declines. In Rhode Island alone, there were 122 pedestrians killed during those 10 years, as well as 725 in Massachusetts and 439 in Connecticut.

“These numbers each represent a life lost,” said Albert. “We should all be working overtime to help protect our vulnerable road users.”

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Despite the grim statistics, the Town of Barrington has had no pedestrian fatalities in 60 years, with the last data gathered at the end of 2019.

"This safety record could not have been realized without the department's vigilance in enforcement, engineering, and a holistic approach to education," said Lloyd Albert, AAA Northeast Senior Vice President of Public and Government Affairs, in a statement. "For example, the Barrington public schools make traffic safety education a priority from grades K-12."

Find out what's happening in Barringtonwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

AAA said factors that contribute to the increase in pedestrian fatalities all over the country include age, time of day, speed limits, blood alcohol levels, and whether or not crosswalks are present.

Communities are urged to install sidewalks in areas that are frequently traveled by pedestrians, emphasize traffic education in schools at all levels, and develop traffic safety public information programs for citizens of all ages.


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