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)
Drivers, always obey the rules of the road, avoid distracted driving, and, most importantly, watch for pedestrians and bicyclists. They have a right to the roadways, too.
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Fall is approaching, so embrace the remaining summer days by enjoying the outdoors! Here are some pedestrian safety tips to remember while walking/running outside:
🚶♀️ Always use sidewalks and crosswalks when available.
🚶On a blind curve or steep hill, walk along the outer curve to see oncoming traffic and be visible to drivers.
🚶♂️Look for cars in all directions- look left, look right, look left again!
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The school year has begun! Drivers, here are some things to remember to keep our roads safe this school season:
🔹Slow down at school zones and bus stops.
🔹Watch for children at crosswalks walking to and from school.
🔹Stop for school buses when lights are flashing.
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Back-to-school season means more young pedestrians out and about! Remember to reduce your speed, especially around school zones and crossings.
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Every step matters. "Ghost Shoes" is a powerful documentary that brings attention to the lives lost due to pedestrian traffic violence. Discover the stories behind the shoes and the urgent need for safer streets. Watch and share: ow.ly/En3J50Tehqy #GhostShoes #WatchForMeCT CT Urbanists, Connecticut Department of Transportation ... See MoreSee Less
School is back, and so are the morning and afternoon rushes! Take extra caution near schools and bus stops. Say alert, slow down, and be ready to stop at a moment’s notice. Let’s make this school season safe for everyone.
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🚴♂️Bicycling is a great way to get outdoors and stay active! Remember to wear a helmet on every ride to help prevent head injury. Be aware that helmets only work if you wear them correctly! Use this link for the NHTSA guide to fitting your bike helmet: ow.ly/oFIJ50Tehb3
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With schools buzzing back to life, your morning commute might look a bit different. Slower speeds, extra stops, and more kids on the move, it’s all part of keeping our roads safe.
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As students return to school, let’s keep our neighborhoods safe. Slow down in school zones, bus stops, and watch for kids at every corner. Remember, stopping for a school bus isn’t just the law, it’s protecting our future.
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