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)
One of the most important things that a cyclist should do to be safe on the road is to use their body language correctly. Doing things like signaling, holding your head up, and making eye contact with pedestrians and drivers greatly increases your visibility. When passing a pedestrian or another cyclist, a simple heads-up by waving your hand or saying "on your left" can prevent a bicycle crash.
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Sad news for West Hartford. Parking wins again. 🙁
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CT town scales back innovative plan to make center bike, pedestrian friendly to preserve parking
www.courant.com
Based on concerns about potential harm to local businesses, West Hartford is dropping the idea of allowing only parallel parking in the town center as a way of freeing up space for wider sidewalks …0 CommentsComment on Facebook
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CT pedestrian deaths are rising. Is the design of its roads to blame?
ctmirror.org
More pedestrians are being killed by vehicles in Connecticut, but some experts aren't blaming the drivers — they're blaming the roads.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Alcohol or substance-impaired driving is never safe and puts you, as well as others on the road, at risk for deadly crashes. Being impaired lowers your reaction time and your ability to focus on being a safe driver. Keep in mind that it is also not safe for pedestrians or cyclists to be on the road while under the influence either.
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Drivers, please be patient in giving pedestrians plenty of time to cross the street. Some may have physical or invisible disabilities, so if a pedestrian needs to cross slowly, don't rush th#WatchForMeCTr#Pedestriansafetya#DriveSafeeSafe ... See MoreSee Less
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When a pedestrian has begun to cross the road during the "walk" signal, they have the right of way over all vehicles, including those turning right on red, until they have fully reached the other side. Pedestrians should always try to use marked crosswalks, but when not at an intersection or marked walkway, pedestrians must yield the right of way to all drivers.
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Today marks the start of National Work Zone Awareness Week! As we head into the start of road construction season, watch out for work crews and exercise caution when driving through work zones.
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Slow down and pay attention in work zones. A few moments of attention could be the difference between life and death. #NWZAW and #WorkZoneSafety ... See MoreSee Less
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We're here for it!
All cyclists should practice safe bike riding techniques and be prepared for unexpected obstacles in their way to minimize the potential for injury.
Safe riding techniques include things such as always wearing your helmet, using hand signals, making yourself visible to drivers, acting like a vehicle, and obeying traffic rules.
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