On Wednesday morning, a driver traveling eastbound on Route 118 near East Litchfield Road collided with a horse and rider using a designated crosswalk. Connecticut State Police report that the driver, a 21‑year‑old resident of Torrington, was cited for failing to yield to a pedestrian in the crosswalk.
Incident Details
Troopers arrived at the scene around 11:24 a.m. and found the severely injured horse lying in the middle of the road. The vehicle involved was located about a quarter‑mile east of the crash site. According to the driver’s statement, bright sunlight caused glare that prevented him from seeing the horse and rider as they crossed legally.
The rider was unharmed, but the horse sustained injuries deemed irreparable. The animal’s owner, who operates Lee’s Stables—a beloved local equestrian facility that has served Litchfield for more than five decades—requested that the horse be euthanized, and the request was carried out.
Legal Outcome
State police issued the driver an infraction for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk, a violation that carries a fine and points on the driver’s record. The driver reported no personal injuries.
Lee’s Stables expressed sorrow over the loss of the horse, emphasizing the long‑standing role the stable has played in the community’s agricultural and recreational life. The stable’s owners thanked first‑responders for their swift assistance and urged motorists to remain vigilant, especially during bright morning conditions that can create glare on rural roadways.
Community Response
Local residents voiced concern about road safety for both people and animals sharing the same routes. Several community members called for additional signage or warning lights at the crosswalk to help prevent similar tragedies.
Town officials have not indicated any immediate plans to modify the roadway, but the incident highlights the importance of driver awareness in areas where pedestrians, riders, and livestock frequently intersect with traffic.
Safety Reminder
Connecticut law requires drivers to yield to any pedestrian, including riders on horseback, when they are in a marked crosswalk. Motorists are encouraged to reduce speed, use headlights appropriately, and stay alert for glare that can obscure vision, especially during sunrise or sunset.
For more information on safe driving practices around equestrian crossings, residents can consult the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s guidelines or contact local law‑enforcement agencies.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
