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)
Spring safety starts at the bus stop. Winnie and Wally remind drivers to slow down, stay alert, and watch for pedestrians as families travel to and from school this season.
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ATESDs are traffic safety cameras that capture violations and issue citations — and they’re helping make roads safer.
Here’s what to know:
• All camera locations are clearly marked
• The first 30 days after activation are warnings only
• After that: $50 for a first violation and $75 for additional violations within one year
• Citations are issued to the registered vehicle owner
• Speed citations apply when drivers exceed the speed limit by more than 10 mph
đź”’ Privacy matters: Personal information cannot be disclosed, stored, or retained for any purpose other than issuing a citation through the ATESD program.
Even though the program is new, participating communities are already seeing safer driving near these locations.
Slow down. Save lives.
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Amy shares how Winnie and Wally help families across Connecticut learn safe habits early. Winnie reminds grown ups to lead by example, while Wally shows that little eyes are always watching and learning.
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⏰ Daylight Saving Time Begins This Sunday
Clocks spring forward on March 8 — and crash risk often rises in the days that follow. Why? We’re adjusting to the time change, and many of us are a little sleep-deprived.
It may also be darker during your morning commute.
Whether you’re driving, walking, or biking, give yourself extra time and stay alert. A little patience can make a big difference in safety.
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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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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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Let’s hear it for the Safe Routes to School program! 👏 See what students are saying about walking, biking, and rolling to school safely.
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Who better to ask about our Safe Routes to School program than the students they teach?! Safe Routes is a program that educates students on the fun and safe practices of riding a bike or scooter. It's a great way to get them outside and exercising! Learn more about the program and how your school can get involved: https://portal.ct.gov/dot/programs/saferoutes?language=en_US #CTDOT #SafeRoutesToSchool #Bicycle #BikeRide
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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
đźš— 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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