West Hartford, Conn. — Community members in West Hartford gathered for a solemn vigil Monday evening to honor Patricia Brulotte, an 87-year-old resident who died tragically after being struck by a vehicle on Oakwood Avenue near St. James Street on November 8. Brulotte, remembered as a vibrant and caring individual, succumbed to her injuries the following day.
The incident that claimed Brulotte’s life adds to a disturbing increase in pedestrian fatalities throughout Connecticut, prompting calls for enhanced road safety measures. Recent similar incidents in Bristol and New Haven underscore a region grappling with vehicular dangers.
The makeshift memorial at the site of Brulotte’s fatal accident was poignant, featuring flowers and white shoes inscribed with her name and the date of the accident. Such tributes have become a heartrending symbol of loss and a visible call to action for safer streets.
Thomas Evelein, a close friend and neighbor of Brulotte, expressed his deep sorrow over the incident. “She had just regained mobility and was excited to be active again,” said Evelein, who would often assist Brulotte with errands and valued their daily conversations. Evelein revealed that Brulotte was a real estate agent who cherished interactions with community members, including bringing his son ice cream and always inquiring about their wellbeing.
The vigil, organized by Bike West Hartford alongside Vision Zero action Committee and other related organizations, drew around 30 participants. Their presence highlighted a united community desire to prevent future tragedies and initiate significant changes in local infrastructure and traffic policies.
Mary Donegan, representing Bike West Hartford, emphasized the tight-knit nature of the community and their collective intention to both mourn and mobilize. “We are here not only to grieve but to spark a dialogue on making actionable changes.”
The dialogue includes proposals for improving crosswalk safety through better lighting and signage, the installation of raised crosswalks, and removing obstructions that limit visibility for both drivers and pedestrians. “We know the solutions; we just need commitment and action from the town,” Donegan asserted.
Amy Watkins from Watch for Me CT, an advocacy group for pedestrian and bicyclist safety, provided a grim statistic of nearly 300 traffic-related deaths in the state this year, with pedestrians and cyclists comprising a significant portion of these fatalities. Watkins emphasized the critical need for vigilance and responsible driving, especially as daylight hours decrease in the winter months.
The community’s response to these incidents is also seen in broader memorials and advocacies. For instance, Watch for Me CT is organizing a World Day of Remembrance for road traffic victims to honor lives lost and foster an engaged community dialogue on preventive measures.
Events like these serve as both a tribute and a critical reflection on community safety, reinforcing the ongoing need to evaluate and improve traffic management and pedestrian infrastructure. As towns like West Hartford rally around grieving families and friends, the hope is that these concerted efforts will ignite real and lasting change across the state to ensure the safety of all road users.