Driving is an enormous responsibility. When you grip the wheel you’re holding your own life and the lives of others in your hands. Always obey the rules of the road. Subtract the distractions, especially cell phone use, that take your eyes and mind off the road. And, most importantly, watch for pedestrians, bicyclists and other vehicles. They have a right to the roadways, too.
Be Safe
Speed kills! Obey all speed limits. A pedestrian hit by a car going 40 mph has an 85% chance of being killed. At 20 mph the risk is reduced to 5%.
Come to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights.
Avoid distracted driving, aggressive driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Be Aware
Signal your turns and look both ways before changing lanes, turning, and at driveways.
Expect the unexpected around curves and over hills where visibility ahead is limited.
Don’t rely on eye contact to confirm that a cyclist or pedestrian sees you. They might not.
It’s safer to assume they don’t see you.
Watch for Bicyclists
Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers, and are allowed to ride in the travel lane.
Expect bicyclists in the travel lane, and let bicyclists ride as far to the right as is safe. Give them space to avoid hazards like potholes, debris, and drain grates.
Keep at least 3 feet of space between your vehicle and a bicyclist – it’s the law.
Be aware of actions that could startle a bicyclist: Don’t blast your horn, don’t pass a bicyclist if you’re immediately turning right, and make sure you won’t cut a bicyclist off before moving back in your lane.
You may cross the center line to pass a bicyclist if it’s safe and does not interfere with oncoming traffic.
Be vigilant at intersections. For left turns, yield to oncoming cyclists. For right turns, always check for cyclists behind you to avoid cutting them off. Assume cyclists are traveling straight unless they signal otherwise or are in a turn lane.
Mind the door zone: Check for bicyclists before opening your car door so you don’t hit them, and open the door with your right hand to force you to look over your left shoulder for bicyclists.
Watch for Pedestrians
Yield to pedestrians at an intersection:
Every intersection is a crosswalk, even if it’s not marked.
Do not stop in a crosswalk.
Be patient: Give disabled pedestrians plenty of time to cross the street. Rushing them endangers their safety.
Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk in the event there is a pedestrian crossing that you cannot see. Stop and proceed when all pedestrians have crossed the street.
Do not drive on a sidewalk, except to cross it to enter or exit a driveway or alley. When crossing, yield to all pedestrians.
(Adapted from Bike Walk CT’s “Give Respect, Get Respect.
Share the Road, Connecticut” www.bikewalkct.org)
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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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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🌙🚶♀️ Most pedestrian crashes happen in the dark.
Why? Headlights only reach so far, and drivers need time to see a hazard, react, and slow down. According to the Federal Highway Administration, better lighting helps drivers spot pedestrians and other hazards sooner—giving them more time to respond.
💡 The impact is significant: Improved lighting can reduce nighttime pedestrian crashes by up to 42%.
Good lighting saves lives. Seeing sooner means reacting sooner.
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Ever wonder which kind of helmet is good for you? Amy Watkins breaks down different helmet options, the protection they offer, and who is legally required to wear a helmet under state law.
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All bicyclists in Connecticut should use designated bike lanes whenever they are available. Bike lanes help create safer separation from vehicle traffic, improve visibility, and make movements more predictable for everyone on the road. Staying within marked lanes, riding with traffic, and remaining alert can help reduce crashes and keep riders safer.
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👏👏👏 Town of Glastonbury CT 👏👏👏
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Exclusive: Glastonbury police use undercover officers to enforce crosswalk safety laws
www.fox61.com
Glastonbury police launch undercover crosswalk patrols to improve pedestrian safety and driver compliance.Winnie and Wally are back to remind parents that children age five and under do not understand road dangers, so always hold hands and supervise closely when crossing or near roadways.
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During winter, limited daylight means many people are walking to work, school, and appointments before sunrise and after sunset. Drivers should slow down, stay focused, and watch carefully for pedestrians to help improve visibility and keep everyone safe on Connecticut roads.
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