440 CRASHES IN
STAMFORD, CT
MAY 2019

During this period, 126 motorists were injured in crashes, representing the largest group of injured persons. Additionally, 7 pedestrians sustained injuries. There were no fatalities recorded among motorists, pedestrians, or cyclists.

Crash occurrences in Stamford peaked on Fridays, which saw 80 incidents in May 2019. The most common time for crashes was the 3 p.m. hour, with 39 events. A distinct pattern emerges showing a concentration of crashes during daytime and evening commute hours, specifically from 7 a.m. through 8 p.m.

The vast majority of crashes, 77.3% (340 incidents), resulted in no injuries, being classified as property-damage-only. The remaining 22.7% of crashes involved at least one possible, minor, or serious injury. There were no fatal crashes recorded in Stamford during this period.

Most crashes occurred in favorable conditions, with 80.2% happening in daylight and 78.9% on dry road surfaces. Clear weather was reported for 73.2% of all incidents. Adverse conditions were less frequent, with 90 crashes (20.5%) on wet roads and 63 crashes (14.3%) during rain.

Among all 1,099 persons involved in crashes, the 35-44 age group was the most represented, accounting for 190 individuals. Analysis of the 878 vehicles involved shows Toyota was the most frequent make with 112 vehicles, followed by Honda with 103, and Ford with 84.

The speed limit zone designated as '1 mph' recorded the highest number of crashes, with 145 incidents, accounting for 33.0% of the total. The 25 mph zone had the next highest frequency with 90 crashes. Across all speed limit zones where crashes occurred, 0% of those crashes resulted in a fatality.

Crashes occurred most frequently on Minor Arterials, which accounted for 118 incidents. Combined, limited-access highways like Interstates and Freeways/Expressways were the location for 71 crashes. Principal Arterials and Local roads also saw significant crash totals, with 82 and 60 incidents respectively.

Local roads were the site of the majority of crashes, with 224 incidents recorded. State-maintained routes, including State, US, and Interstate highways, collectively accounted for 151 crashes. This indicates that local municipal roadways saw a higher volume of crashes than those under state jurisdiction during this period.

Among crashes where roadway ownership was documented, 393 occurred on public roads. A smaller but notable number of incidents, 33 crashes, took place on private property such as parking lots or private drives. This represents 7.7% of crashes with known ownership data.

The majority of crashes, 315 incidents or 71.8% of the total, occurred at locations not at an intersection. Among crashes that did happen at junctions, T-intersections were the most common site with 67 crashes, followed by four-way intersections with 49 crashes. Combined, all types of intersections accounted for 28.2% of incidents.

For crashes involving a collision with a fixed object, the most frequently struck objects were utility poles or light supports, which were hit 6 times. Other common objects included 'Other Fixed Object' (5 times), curbs (4 times), and fences (3 times). Combined, utility poles and trees were struck a total of 7 times.

Passenger cars were the most common vehicle type involved in crashes, accounting for 450 vehicles, followed by (Sport) Utility Vehicles with 251. Medium to heavy trucks over 10,000 lbs were involved in 21 incidents. Additionally, various types of buses were involved in 17 crashes, and motorcycles were involved in 3.

The majority of vehicles involved in crashes, 603 vehicles, were at locations with no traffic control device present. Traffic signals were present for 215 vehicles involved in crashes, while stop signs were the control device for 39 vehicles. This indicates that over two-thirds of involved vehicles were in uncontrolled segments of roadway.

Among drivers with a recorded contributing action, 'Followed Too Closely' was the most common, cited for 127 drivers. Other frequently noted actions included 'Failed to Keep in Proper Lane' (64 drivers), 'Improper Backing' (56 drivers), and 'Failed to Yield Right-of-Way' (52 drivers).

Of the drivers for whom a condition was recorded, the vast majority were listed as 'Apparently Normal'. However, 11 drivers were noted as having an abnormal condition, including 3 drivers 'Under the Influence of Medications/Drugs/Alcohol'. Other recorded conditions included being ill or fatigued, each noted for 2 drivers.

The most common pre-crash action for vehicles was 'Straight Ahead,' which described the movement of 422 vehicles, or 48.1% of the total. A significant number of vehicles were either 'Stopped in Traffic' (88 vehicles) or 'Parked' (83 vehicles) just prior to the collision. Other notable actions included 'Backing' (69 vehicles) and 'Turning Left' (62 vehicles).

The front of the vehicle, designated as Sector 12, was the most common point of impact, recorded for 239 vehicles. The rear of the vehicle, Sector 6, was the second most frequent impact point, involved in 204 instances. These two impact points combined represent the initial impact for over half of the vehicles in these crashes.

The most prevalent type of crash was 'Front to rear,' accounting for 181 incidents or 41.1% of all collisions. 'Sideswipe, same direction' was the second most common manner of collision with 90 crashes (20.5%), followed closely by 'Angle' collisions with 87 crashes (19.8%).

Drivers were the largest group of individuals involved in crashes, with 815 persons, making up 74.2% of the total. Passengers accounted for another 246 individuals (22.4%). A small fraction of those involved were pedestrians, with 7 individuals recorded.

Across all 1,099 people involved in crashes, 133 individuals sustained some level of injury, representing 12.1% of the total. Of those injured, 4 suffered serious injuries, 50 had minor injuries, and 79 had possible injuries. The majority of people, 935 individuals, were not injured.

The majority of vehicle occupants, 699 individuals, were reported as using a shoulder and lap belt. There were 11 occupants who were recorded as not using any restraint system at the time of the crash. Additionally, 28 individuals were documented as using some form of child restraint system.

The vast majority of crashes, 383 incidents or 87.0%, involved two vehicles. Single-vehicle crashes were less common, accounting for 32 incidents (7.3%). There were also 25 multi-vehicle crashes involving three or more vehicles, including one incident that involved five vehicles.