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)
Helmets on, eyes open! Here are some safety reminders for drivers and cyclists:
Drivers:
🌀Put down the distractions
🌀Give cyclists at least 3 feet if you need to pass them
🌀Check mirrors and blind spots before opening doors
Cyclists:
🌀Wear a helmet
🌀Stay alert
🌀Ride predictably (avoid weaving between cars)
Let's share the road responsibly.
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With changing seasons comes reduced visibility. Drivers are urged to remain vigilant for pedestrians and cyclists, particularly near crosswalks and intersections.
Let's work together to ensure road safety for all.
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We are introducing a new voice for pedestrian safety in Connecticut. Stay tuned for a formal social media introduction!
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It’s officially Pedestrian Safety Month. 🚶🏼♀️ Now is the perfect time for a friendly reminder to watch for adults, children, and seniors walking or crossing the street.
Let’s make sure everyone gets to their destinations safely!
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October is Pedestrian Safety Month. Whether you're behind the wheel or on foot, let's look out for one another. As the days get shorter and it gets darker earlier, visibility becomes more challenging.
🚙 Drivers: Slow down and scan the road as you drive. Stay alert for people crossing the street.
🚶 Pedestrians: Remember that as it gets darker, it becomes harder to see you. If you must walk or run on the road, use lights and reflectors.
Safety is a two-way street.
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When this happens, it's usually because the owner only shared it with a small group of people, changed who can see it or it's been deleted.Remember this safe-driving checklist for the next errand you run or roadtrip you take:
✅ Put away all distractions and keep your eyes on the road
✅ When driving through school or work zones, stay alert and cautious
✅ Yield to pedestrians, it's the law
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The national "A Week Without Driving" campaign aims to bring awareness to the barriers and challenges that non-drivers face. Here's how you take the Week Without Driving challenge:
You can get around however you want, but the challenge is not to drive yourself in any car. This applies to all your activities — not just your work commute. If you normally transport other family members or friends, it applies to those trips, too.
Take the challenge and help advocate for accessibility in your community!
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