Driving is an enormous responsibility. When you grip the wheel youโre 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.
Donโt rely on eye contact to confirm that a cyclist or pedestrian sees you. They might not.
Itโs safer to assume they donโt 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 โ itโs the law.
Be aware of actions that could startle a bicyclist: Donโt blast your horn, donโt pass a bicyclist if youโre immediately turning right, and make sure you wonโt cut a bicyclist off before moving back in your lane.
You may cross the center line to pass a bicyclist if itโs 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 donโt 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 itโs 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 CTโs “Give Respect, Get Respect.
Share the Road, Connecticut” www.bikewalkct.org)
A small act of patience can make a big difference while out on the roads. For this Older Americans Month โ and every month after โ let's all watch out for older pedestrians and drivers.
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Crosswalks aren't just painted lines, they are bridges ๐ of safety for pedestrians! As you drive, keep an eye out for crosswalks and remember you must yield for pedestrians waiting to cross. It's the law!
Learn more about pedestrian safety: ow.ly/7WSj50VLn3b
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Today we celebrated Bike to Work Day with Bike Walk Connecticut, Capitol Region Council of Governments - CRCOG and the City of Hartford. What a great way to start the day! ... See MoreSee Less
Pedestrian and cyclist deaths are rising in Connecticut, with 58 lives lost so far this year. Watch WFSBโs investigative report to learn whatโs driving the increase โ and how we can help prevent these tragedies.
WFSB - Channel 3 Eyewitness News
Sam Smink
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I-TEAM: Is Pedestrian or Driver Behavior causing Pedestrian crashes in CT?
www.wfsb.com
This week the I-Team is taking a closer look at the growing number of people killed or injured while walking or biking on Connecticut roadways.Bike season is here. When you're behind the wheel, be sure to look out for cyclists!
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May is National Bicycle Safety Month, which means it's a great time to brush up on the rules of the road. Visit our website for more tips: ow.ly/NlPU50VLmUz
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Today we thank and appreciate ๐ซ๐all the incredible mothers for keeping their loved ones safe.
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May is Older Americans Month, a great reminder to always look out for older pedestrians. Between 2018-2022, people ages 50-65 accounted for 33.6% of pedestrian-related crashes. Drivers, always look out for pedestrians, especially at intersections!
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