Police Arrest Driver in Fatal West Hartford Pedestrian Crash

A tragic pedestrian crash in West Hartford last November has led to the arrest of 83-year-old Sue Deffenbaugh. The incident, which occurred at the intersection of Oakwood Avenue and St. James Street, claimed the life of 87-year-old Patricia Brulotte.

With charges now filed against Deffenbaugh, this case has drawn attention to issues surrounding pedestrian safety and shared road responsibility in Connecticut.

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Details Surrounding the West Hartford Pedestrian Crash

The crash occurred on November 8, 2024, at an uncontrolled crosswalk on Oakwood Avenue. Patricia Brulotte was crossing the street at this location when two separate vehicles struck her.

The driver of the first vehicle, traveling north, remained at the scene and assisted police during the investigation. The driver of the second vehicle, identified as Sue Deffenbaugh, fled after striking Brulotte.

Brulotte was transported to a nearby hospital but tragically succumbed to her injuries. For months, the West Hartford Police’s Traffic Division worked to piece together evidence and ultimately identified Deffenbaugh as the driver who fled the scene.

The Charges Against Sue Deffenbaugh

Deffenbaugh now faces serious charges, including:

Evading responsibility in a crash resulting in death: This charge stems from her decision to leave the scene rather than stopping to assist the victim or notify authorities.
Failure to exercise reasonable care near a vulnerable road user: Connecticut law places added responsibility on drivers when interacting with pedestrians, cyclists, and others deemed vulnerable.

She was released after posting a $400,000 bond with the condition that she would not operate a vehicle. Her court appearance in Hartford Superior Court is scheduled for April 24.

Implications for Pedestrian Safety Across Connecticut

Though the crash happened in West Hartford, its impact resonates across many Connecticut communities. Towns like New Haven, Stamford, and Bridgeport, which frequently see heavy pedestrian traffic, have a stake in the growing conversation on road safety.

In Norwalk, residents have pushed for more visible crosswalks and pedestrian signals to reduce similar incidents. Even in quieter towns like Simsbury and New Milford, shared road responsibilities remain critical.

This incident reminds drivers statewide to follow laws aimed at protecting individuals using crosswalks, whether marked or unmarked, and maintaining appropriate levels of safety and awareness.

Recent Trends in Pedestrian-Involved Incidents

According to state traffic statistics, pedestrian fatalities have risen in recent years, impacting communities like Waterbury and Danbury alongside larger cities. Many accidents occur in uncontrolled crosswalks, mirroring the conditions of the West Hartford crash.

Experts attribute this increase not only to distracted driving but also to inadequate infrastructure that puts pedestrians at risk. Connecticut towns are responding with investments in pedestrian safety measures, from completing traffic studies to implementing better signage and improved crosswalk designs.

Local leaders in Hartford have considered adding speed cameras and enhanced lighting to prevent further tragedies on busy intersections like Oakwood Avenue.

What Can Connecticut Drivers and Residents Learn From This Case?

The charges against Sue Deffenbaugh serve as a stark reminder of the legal and moral responsibilities drivers carry when navigating roads shared by pedestrians. Police departments across Connecticut—from Meriden to Bristol—urge drivers to remain vigilant and avoid actions that compromise the safety of vulnerable individuals.

For pedestrians, this incident emphasizes the need to stay cautious when crossing streets, especially in areas lacking marked crosswalks or signals. Connecticut’s Department of Transportation recently launched campaigns aimed at educating both drivers and pedestrians on coexistence, hoping to prevent incidents like the one in West Hartford.

Here is the source article for this story: Police arrest one of two drivers accused of striking pedestrian who died after West Hartford crash

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