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)
A Road Diet, also known as a Roadway Reconfiguration, is a road safety counter measure that involves turning a four-lane road into a three-lane road with a turning lane in the middle. Road Diets reduce rear end, side wipe and left turn crashes and, according to the Federal Highway Administration, can help reduce crashes by 19 to 47 percent.
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Did you know that ALL intersections are crosswalks? Even if there are no painted lines on the road! According to Connecticut State Law, drivers are required to yield to ALL pedestrians at crosswalks whether they are crossing, entering a crosswalk or waving to indicate the intent to cross.
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Clothing colors impact how well drivers can see pedestrians at night. If a pedestrian wears dark colors, a driver can't see them until they are just 3 feet away, which does not give the driver time to stop. But if a pedestrian wears reflective gear, drivers can see them from almost 500 feet away, giving them 11 seconds to stop. Be seen, be safe.
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Hey, Homeowners! 🏠If it's snowing, remember you have a responsibility to clear snow off the sidewalk in front of your property. Be a good neighbor and help those around you get home safely!
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What's your New Year's resolution? If you don't have one yet, we have a suggestion: Let's make a New Year's resolution to be a safer driver in 2025. Let's watch out for each other and stay safe on our roadways.
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www.ctinsider.com/news/article/ct-2024-traffic-deaths-20006698.php ... See MoreSee Less
2024 was second-deadliest year for CT car crashes in past decade, data shows
www.ctinsider.com
As of Dec. 23, there were 314 traffic deaths in the state, eclipsing 2023's year-end total of 308.There were more than 1,600 crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists on Connecticut roads in 2024. That's up from 1,200 in 2023. In the new year, let's keep everyone safe.
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Watch for Me CT’s Amy Watkins was interviewed by NBC Connecticut about the disturbing increase in traffic fatalities in 2024. 📺 Watch to learn more: www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/deadly-year-connecticut-roads-pleas-traffic-safety/3463712/
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Deadly year on Connecticut roads prompts pleas for traffic safety
www.nbcconnecticut.com
Connecticut is having one of its deadliest years on the roadway, with traffic fatalities already surpassing last year’s number. The 314 traffic deaths through Dec. 23 – the most recently available...Happy New Year! As you celebrate the festivities remember to drive safe, drive sober and stay alert, or make a plan to get a ride.
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