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The fatality was reported on the northbound Wilbur Cross Parkway/Route 15 at Exit 68 West in Meriden at about 6;25 a.m., State Police said. The accident initially closed the parkway.
Cesar Bonet, a 54-year-old Meriden resident, got out of his car on the right shoulder of the exit to help a motorist who had struck a deer, NBC Connecticut said. Bonet was hit by another car while standing on the side of the road, the story said.
The State Police stepped up enforcement for the New Year’s holiday, running from 12:01 am. Thursday, Dec. 31, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 3, according to a statement from Trooper First Class Kelly Grant.
Here are the statistics recorded through 11 a.m. Jan. 1 from the State Police:
- Accidents: 94, 4 with injuries, 1 fatality
- DUI arrests: 17
- Speeding: 257
- Seatbelt violations: 9
- Hazardous Moving violations (include following too close, distracted driving, cellphones, etc.): 631
State Police Troopers will continue to conduct enforcement patrols throughout the state on both highways and secondary roads throughout the New Year's holiday weekend.
In addition, sobriety checkpoints will be set up in an effort to deter anyone from the drinking and driving If anyone sees a suspected drunken driver, or dangerous driver, call 911 and immediately report it.
For comparison, here are the State Police statistics for last year's New Year's holiday:
- Accidents: 158, 28 with injuries and no fatalities
- DUI arrests: 38
- Speeding: 726
- Seatbelt violations: 22
- Hazardous moving violations: 1,593
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