Numbers detail dangerous Milford road

MILFORD, Conn. (WTNH) -- Some startling numbers are out, detailing the dangers associated with one road in Milford.

Some parents are upset their kids are forced to walk a stretch of Wheelers Farms Road on their way to the bus stop. Typically, the kids don't walk, they hitch a ride.

"I didn't think it was possible for any of the students down by where we live to actually, physically walk to the stop," said parent Karen Ospena.

At 6:30 a.m. Tuesday morning, Ospena's 16-year-old daughter, Danielle, got on a bus heading to a Magnet high school in Trumbull. If she had walked to the stop on Wheelers Farms Road, her mom says it would take her at least a half hour.

"It's too far and it's too dangerous, it's just the roads too narrow," Ospena said. "Traffic goes by extremely fast in the morning and there are no sidewalks."

In 2011, police say there were 52 accidents on Wheelers Farms Road between the Orange town line and the intersection with Boston Post Road in Milford. There have been 36 accidents at the same stretch this year alone.

"Those accidents can range from a matter of record type, where it's minor damage to a vehicle, to injuries," explained Officer Jeff Neilsen.

When it comes to injuries, firefighters say so far this year they've responded to three accidents where someone has been hurt.

"People are in a hurry. You just want people to take the time and be aware of their surroundings," said Milford Fire Captain Thomas Thornberg.

However, it's the surroundings that parents don't want their kids to walk in.

"I've lived down this street for almost 10 years and there's always accidents," Ospena said.

An accident she doesn't want her daughter involved in.

According to the Milford Schools Chief Operations Officer, Jim Richetelli, there are 23 Milford students who are bussed to Trumbull High for a Vocational Agricultural Science Program. Richetelli says there used to be two busses, but this year it was cut to one bus that made five stops in Milford. The change was made in January due to budget issues.

Richetelli says the 23 students have been asked to get to one of those five stops just like any other Milford Public schools student would do to get to their bus stops.  

Richetelli tells News 8 the safety of the students is paramount. He says since the system offers these students the opportunity to attend this program the system must provide transportation.