Winnie & Wally!

At Watch for Me CT, we believe the best way to keep our communities safe is by teaching safe habits early. Winnie’s role is to show grown-ups how important it is to lead by example, while her joey, Wally reminds us that little eyes are always watching and learning. Together, they help families talk about safety in a fun, memorable way.

PROTECTING KIDS

According to recommendations from both the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Center for Safe Routes to School children under 10 are not ready to cross the street alone and should not do so.

Young children often do not have the motor skills or cognitive abilities to safely navigate being near the road.

According to the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP), with a couple very limited exceptions, children under the age of 10 should never be near the road by themselves. Due to age-appropriate developmental limitations, children under the age of 10 can struggle with scanning for traffic, judging vehicle speed/distance, anticipating driver behavior, and determining if it is safe to cross the road.

Using the front yard as a play area can be dangerous, especially for younger children, because of the proximity to traffic and the risk of driveway backovers. Play away from vehicles!

As children get a little older and their brains develop further, they gain the skills needed to safely navigate the road.

In addition to the developmental milestones, in late elementary and middle school, kids will have practiced safe behavior near the road with parents, responsible older siblings, or other trusted adults. This supervised practice teaches kids what they are supposed to do and models correct behavior for them to copy when they are by themselves.

Model Good Behavior – Children watch their parents and other adults (and older siblings) in their lives. Modelling safe behavior can help teach kids what they are supposed to do.

Supervise! – Consider your child’s age and maturity level before reducing supervision. While the 10-year-old number is a good benchmark, every kid is different and that’s ok!

Consider the Surroundings – For older children, the type of road factors into how much supervision your child needs. A quiet cul-de-sac is generally much safer than a busy state route.

Be Visible – Make sure that your child is wearing bright or reflective clothing, even during the day. Pedestrians are the smallest road users so it is important to do whatever you can to be as visible as possible.

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During Vehicle Safety Recall Week, we’re encouraging Connecticut residents to take a few minutes to see if their vehicle has an open safety recall. Fixing recalled parts helps reduce the risk of serious crashes and protects everyone who shares our streets — including people walking and biking. Check your vehicle and help keep Connecticut moving safely.

Check for recalls: ow.ly/Q9Na50YncSe
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During Vehicle Safet

Connecticut continues to install more roundabouts across the state as a safer alternative to traditional intersections. Designed to slow traffic and reduce conflict points, roundabouts help lower the risk of serious crashes, keep vehicles moving efficiently, and improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. When approaching a roundabout, slow down, yield to traffic already circulating, enter when it’s clear, stay in your lane, and use your turn signal when exiting.

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Are you wearing your helmet properly? Anna Stern shares the most important addition to your bike ride, your helmet, and demonstrates how to properly fit it to ensure maximum protection.

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🚲🤝 Share the Road
In Connecticut, bicyclists are considered vehicles under state law and have the right to use the travel lane—just like cars.
Here’s what to know:
• Bicyclists ride in the same direction as traffic
• They should ride as far to the right as is safe, unless making a left turn
• After snowstorms, riders may need to stay closer to the center of the lane to avoid snow banks and debris

🚗 Passing a bicyclist?
You may pass only if you can give at least 3 feet of space. State law allows drivers to cross a double yellow line to pass safely—but if you can’t pass with enough space, wait until it’s safe to do so.
A little patience goes a long way in keeping everyone safe.

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🚲🤝 Share the R

Both pedestrians and drivers share responsibility for staying safe while getting where they need to go. The next time you head out the door, follow these safety tips to stay safe!

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Winnie and Wally are here reminding us that on dark winter nights, it is important to wear brightly colored or reflective clothing, making it easier for drivers to see you and your family when crossing roads or within parking areas.

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Winnie and Wally are

Safety reminder for drivers: If your vehicle breaks down on the highway, stay inside your car whenever possible. Exiting your vehicle can put you at greater risk from passing traffic. Call for assistance, turn on your hazard lights, and remain inside until help arrives.

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Winter conditions often bring people outdoors to clear sidewalks and driveways near roadways. Drivers should slow down, stay alert, and watch for individuals using shovels or snow blowers close to the street—especially during low-light hours. A little extra caution can help keep everyone safe.

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Winter conditions of