Just a heads up... A helmet isn't just a piece of gear — it’s your best protection while out on the road! On every ride, make sure you wear the correct helmet to help prevent head injuries🤕.
As time🕰️ springs forward keep in mind that visibility may be affected 🌄. Did you know that there is an increase in traffic crashes every year for a few days after the start of daylight savings? Everyone’s internal clock is off and, let’s face it, they're probably a little sleep deprived. This is not a good combination for safety. Due to the time change, it also might be darker during the morning commute. So, after clocks spring forward on March 9, whether you’re driving, walking or biking, give yourself a little extra time to get where you’re going.
Not all safety cues can be heard 👂— some can be seen 👀! Here are some ways you can be safe:
✅Always cross at designated crosswalks in well-lit areas with the best view of traffic ✅Obey all pedestrian signals ✅Pay attention and avoid distractions ✅Check your surroundings in all directions ✅Wear bright or reflective clothing ✅Safely make yourself visible to drivers & bicyclists
Throwback Thursday: Last fall, we gathered for World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims in New Haven. Each year, we come together to honor those who have died, support those who survived and take action to save lives. Watch for Me CT is advocating for:
🛑Harsher, more timely penalties for impaired and speeding drivers. 🛑Improvements to the number of safe pedestrian crossings on Whalley Avenue in New Haven through the Bus Rapid Transit project. 🛑Full implementation of Leading Pedestrians Intervals with concurrent phase pedestrian crossing in New Haven.
The faster you drive, the higher the likelihood that a crash involving a pedestrian could be fatal. Keep yourself and those around you safe. Obey all posted speed limits.
The I-Team is digging into the number of pedestrian crashes in Connecticut. Just last year, the state set the second worst record for the number of people killed while walking and riding bikes on our ...
As you travel around Connecticut, you are increasingly likely to see Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at crosswalks. These signs include flashing lights that turn on when a pedestrian hits the walk button. CTDOT has found that RRFBs can increase motorist yielding rates by up to 98 percent!
It’s winter in Connecticut, and taking a few simple steps can help keep you, your neighbors and your community safe:
❄️Make sure you clean off your car completely. Even if your windshield is clear in your driveway or parking spot, if there is snow on your roof, it might not be clear for long! Snow on the side of your car can blow off onto other people’s windshields. ❄️Shovel your sidewalks! Sidewalks that are covered with snow are dangerous for pedestrians. Keeping them clear allows for people to travel safely without needing to walk in the road. ❄️Give yourself extra time. When winter weather strikes and the roads get slippery, it is important to drive slower. Making sure you have enough time to get where you're going at a slower speed is important to getting to your destination safely in slippery conditions.
If you find yourself stuck on the highway, it’s important that you follow a couple important safety rules to be safe.
🛞If you can, maneuver your car out of the travel lanes onto the shoulder and turn on your hazard lights. 🛞This is really important: Unless there is a reason, like a fire, stay in your car with your seatbelt on. The highway is extremely dangerous for people who do not have the protection of a car, and staying buckled in can save your life. 🛞Wait for help to arrive from a safe place.
They save lives, reduce traffic delays and cut emissions. Still, communities often resist them. Can cities get drivers to turn the corner on circular intersections?
2024 was a deadly year on Connecticut roads. What are you going to do to help keep Connecticut residents safe? Here are some simple steps we all can take:
🚗Never drive impaired. 🚗Don't drive distracted. Put down your phone. 🚗Always stop for pedestrians. 🚗Obey all posted speed limits.
Amy Watkins of Watch for Me CT recently joined CTDOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto on WPLR's Chaz and AJ show to discuss Ghost Shoes, a documentary produced by Watch for Me CT to raise awareness about pedestrian deaths. 📺Watch the documentary: ow.ly/8ga750UPO0M
Remember, when you approach a roundabout, you not only have to yield to cars in the circle, you also have to yield for pedestrians. Learn about roundabouts: ow.ly/EAyU50Uzv6L
E-Bikes, or electric bikes, are becoming more and more popular. Wearing a helmet is important for bicyclists, but it is even more important for e-bike riders because e-bikes can move at faster speeds. Also, it's the law! NEVER ride an e-bike without a helmet.
Remember how your mother used to tell you to look both ways? She knew what she was talking about! If you are crossing the street, always check left, right and left again before stepping into the street, even at signaled crossings.
The new year started off averaging nearly one traffic fatality a day for almost two weeks – slightly behind the pace during the same period in 2024, according to the Connecticut Crash Data Repositor...
✅ Be Visible: Use front and rear lights, wear reflective clothing and add reflective tape to your bike. ✅ Check Your Bike: Ensure tires have good tread and brakes are in top condition. Consider winter-specific tires. ✅ Ride Cautiously: Watch for ice, snow and wet leaves. Brake gently and take turns slowly. ✅ Stay Alert: Keep an eye on traffic and changing weather conditions.
It’s National Passenger Safety Week! Learn the proper way to secure your child’s car seat. Find tips and car seat safety videos on the Ultimate Car Seat Guide: www.ultimatecarseatguide.org... See MoreSee Less
The City of New Britain is implementing its own Vision Zero roadway safety strategy, with the goal of eliminating serious and fatal vehicle and pedestrian-involved crashes over the next 20 years. A ta...
Quick builds are temporary infrastructure that allow for communities to test new road fixtures before committing to them permanently. An example of a quick build could be using paint and bollards to bump out a curb. Learn more: ow.ly/x73x50Uzv2K
Safe driving means sharing the road with bicyclists. Here are some reminders:
💭 Biyclists are legally allowed to be in the travel lane. It's their right. 🚫🔊 Refrain from honking your horn around cyclists as this can startle them and result in erratic and unsafe behavior. 👀 Always check your blind spots for cyclists, especially at intersections. 🚦If you are turning right on red, you MUST yield for bicyclists.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
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.
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...
Once again, The Newtown Bee is asking its readers to be aware of their surroundings and watch for pedestrians as they are driving, especially with the longer hours of darkness making walkers more diff...
Remember that your choices impact more than just you. Don’t let your festive spirit break the spirits of our dedicated trauma teams. Their holidays shouldn’t be spent in agony over preventable accidents. Plan ahead—call a sober ride and keep everyone safe. Let’s ensure our celebrations are joyful, not tragic. #HolidaySafety#SoberRides#PreventImpairedDriving#CTNotOneMore... See MoreSee Less
Our state has remained on a near record pace for pedestrian deaths, but an effort has been mounted to help. Across our state, towns have taken advantage of state and federal programs to add, enhance a...
Be seen, be safe! Pedestrians and cyclists should wear bright-colored or reflective clothing to further alert drivers to their presence. 🚗 Cars that are traveling 40 miles per hour take 120 feet to come to a complete stop under ideal circumstances. That's why wearing reflectors or reflective material is so important!
Just a heads up... A helmet isn't just a piece of gear — it’s your best protection while out on the road! On every ride, make sure you wear the correct helmet to help prevent head injuries🤕.
#WatchForMeCT #HelmetSafety ... See MoreSee Less
As time🕰️ springs forward keep in mind that visibility may be affected 🌄. Did you know that there is an increase in traffic crashes every year for a few days after the start of daylight savings? Everyone’s internal clock is off and, let’s face it, they're probably a little sleep deprived. This is not a good combination for safety. Due to the time change, it also might be darker during the morning commute. So, after clocks spring forward on March 9, whether you’re driving, walking or biking, give yourself a little extra time to get where you’re going.
#WatchForMeCT #DaylightSaving #BeSeenBeSafe ... See MoreSee Less
The little ones are not aware of the rules of the road but YOU 🫵 are.
Drivers: Watch for children and always be ready to stop🛑.
Parents: Teach children road safety⛑️🦺.
We must work together to protect their future.
#WatchForMeCT #beseenbesafe ... See MoreSee Less
Not all safety cues can be heard 👂— some can be seen 👀! Here are some ways you can be safe:
✅Always cross at designated crosswalks in well-lit areas with the best view of traffic
✅Obey all pedestrian signals
✅Pay attention and avoid distractions
✅Check your surroundings in all directions
✅Wear bright or reflective clothing
✅Safely make yourself visible to drivers & bicyclists
Learn more: ow.ly/w44150V6rvC
#WatchForMeCT #StayAlert #PedestrianSafety ... See MoreSee Less
Throwback Thursday: Last fall, we gathered for World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims in New Haven. Each year, we come together to honor those who have died, support those who survived and take action to save lives. Watch for Me CT is advocating for:
🛑Harsher, more timely penalties for impaired and speeding drivers.
🛑Improvements to the number of safe pedestrian crossings on Whalley Avenue in New Haven through the Bus Rapid Transit project.
🛑Full implementation of Leading Pedestrians Intervals with concurrent phase pedestrian crossing in New Haven.
#WatchForMeCT #pedestriansafety #highwaysafety #WDoR #NewHaven #Connecticut ... See MoreSee Less
The faster you drive, the higher the likelihood that a crash involving a pedestrian could be fatal. Keep yourself and those around you safe. Obey all posted speed limits.
#WatchForMeCT #speedkills #slowdown #pedestriansafety ... See MoreSee Less
Reminder for motorists: If you are turning right on red, you MUST yield for bicyclists. 👀Let's keep an eye out for each other!
#WatchForMeCT #DrivingTips #SafeDriving #CyclingSafety ... See MoreSee Less
Pedestrian deaths on our roads have reached the second highest in six years, with New Haven County seeing the most crashes. In this in-depth report, the I-Team uncovers troubling data and explores why pedestrian safety continues to be a growing concern, especially in high-risk areas like Whalley Avenue. Check out the full map and details on our site for real time updates. www.wfsb.com/2025/02/18/where-are-pedestrian-crashes-happening-ct-i-team-maps-them-out/ WFSB - Channel 3 Eyewitness News ... See MoreSee Less
Where are pedestrian crashes happening in CT? I-Team maps them out
www.wfsb.com
The I-Team is digging into the number of pedestrian crashes in Connecticut. Just last year, the state set the second worst record for the number of people killed while walking and riding bikes on our ...As you travel around Connecticut, you are increasingly likely to see Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) at crosswalks. These signs include flashing lights that turn on when a pedestrian hits the walk button. CTDOT has found that RRFBs can increase motorist yielding rates by up to 98 percent!
#WatchForMeCT #pedestriansafety #rrfbs ... See MoreSee Less
It’s winter in Connecticut, and taking a few simple steps can help keep you, your neighbors and your community safe:
❄️Make sure you clean off your car completely. Even if your windshield is clear in your driveway or parking spot, if there is snow on your roof, it might not be clear for long! Snow on the side of your car can blow off onto other people’s windshields.
❄️Shovel your sidewalks! Sidewalks that are covered with snow are dangerous for pedestrians. Keeping them clear allows for people to travel safely without needing to walk in the road.
❄️Give yourself extra time. When winter weather strikes and the roads get slippery, it is important to drive slower. Making sure you have enough time to get where you're going at a slower speed is important to getting to your destination safely in slippery conditions.
#WatchForMeCT #SnowSmarts #WinterDriving #PedestrianSafety ... See MoreSee Less
Show your fellow drivers and pedestrians that you care this Valentine’s Day!
#WatchForMeCT #ValentinesDay ... See MoreSee Less
Using a roundabout is as easy as Y-E-S.
➡️Yield for pedestrians and others in the roundabout.
➡️Enter when there is an opening.
➡️Signal before you exit.
#WatchForMeCT #roundabouts ... See MoreSee Less
If you find yourself stuck on the highway, it’s important that you follow a couple important safety rules to be safe.
🛞If you can, maneuver your car out of the travel lanes onto the shoulder and turn on your hazard lights.
🛞This is really important: Unless there is a reason, like a fire, stay in your car with your seatbelt on. The highway is extremely dangerous for people who do not have the protection of a car, and staying buckled in can save your life.
🛞Wait for help to arrive from a safe place.
#WatchForMeCT #StayInYourCar #WaitForHelp ... See MoreSee Less
www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2025-01-06/can-american-drivers-learn-to-love-roundabouts ... See MoreSee Less
Can American Drivers Learn to Love Roundabouts?
www.bloomberg.com
They save lives, reduce traffic delays and cut emissions. Still, communities often resist them. Can cities get drivers to turn the corner on circular intersections?2024 was a deadly year on Connecticut roads. What are you going to do to help keep Connecticut residents safe? Here are some simple steps we all can take:
🚗Never drive impaired.
🚗Don't drive distracted. Put down your phone.
🚗Always stop for pedestrians.
🚗Obey all posted speed limits.
#WatchForMeCT #PedestrianSafety #DriveSafe ... See MoreSee Less
Great article about our very own Farmington Canal Heritage Trail!
... See MoreSee Less
How the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail Is Sparking Connections - Rails to Trails Conservancy
www.railstotrails.org
Ti-Trikes are beneficial for multiple sclerosis and Parkinson’s disease. Ray Charpentier tried one on the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail.Amy Watkins of Watch for Me CT recently joined CTDOT Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto on WPLR's Chaz and AJ show to discuss Ghost Shoes, a documentary produced by Watch for Me CT to raise awareness about pedestrian deaths. 📺Watch the documentary: ow.ly/8ga750UPO0M
#WatchForMeCT #GhostShoes #PedestrianSafety ... See MoreSee Less
Remember, when you approach a roundabout, you not only have to yield to cars in the circle, you also have to yield for pedestrians. Learn about roundabouts: ow.ly/EAyU50Uzv6L
#WatchForMeCT #roundabouts #pedestrians ... See MoreSee Less
E-Bikes, or electric bikes, are becoming more and more popular. Wearing a helmet is important for bicyclists, but it is even more important for e-bike riders because e-bikes can move at faster speeds. Also, it's the law! NEVER ride an e-bike without a helmet.
#WatchForMeCT #EBikes #Helmets #Safety ... See MoreSee Less
Remember how your mother used to tell you to look both ways? She knew what she was talking about! If you are crossing the street, always check left, right and left again before stepping into the street, even at signaled crossings.
#WatchForMeCT #pedestriansafety #crosswalks ... See MoreSee Less
ctnewsjunkie.com/2025/01/22/interview-eric-jackson-ph-d-connecticut-transportation-institute/ ... See MoreSee Less
Interview | Eric Jackson, Ph.D, Connecticut Transportation Institute | CT News Junkie
ctnewsjunkie.com
The new year started off averaging nearly one traffic fatality a day for almost two weeks – slightly behind the pace during the same period in 2024, according to the Connecticut Crash Data Repositor...❄️ Stay Safe While Cycling This Winter! 🚴♀️
Here are some simple tips:
✅ Be Visible: Use front and rear lights, wear reflective clothing and add reflective tape to your bike.
✅ Check Your Bike: Ensure tires have good tread and brakes are in top condition. Consider winter-specific tires.
✅ Ride Cautiously: Watch for ice, snow and wet leaves. Brake gently and take turns slowly.
✅ Stay Alert: Keep an eye on traffic and changing weather conditions.
Enjoy the ride and keep pedaling safely!
#WatchForMeCT #BikeSafety #wintercycling ... See MoreSee Less
It’s National Passenger Safety Week! Learn the proper way to secure your child’s car seat. Find tips and car seat safety videos on the Ultimate Car Seat Guide: www.ultimatecarseatguide.org ... See MoreSee Less
👏👏👏 New Britain, Connecticut 👏👏👏
... See MoreSee Less
New Britain's Vision Zero task force aims to eliminate roadway fatalities by 2045
www.nbcconnecticut.com
The City of New Britain is implementing its own Vision Zero roadway safety strategy, with the goal of eliminating serious and fatal vehicle and pedestrian-involved crashes over the next 20 years. A ta...Quick builds are temporary infrastructure that allow for communities to test new road fixtures before committing to them permanently. An example of a quick build could be using paint and bollards to bump out a curb. Learn more: ow.ly/x73x50Uzv2K
#WatchForMeCT #pedestriansafety ... See MoreSee Less
It's National Passenger Safety Week! Remember, everyone must buckle up, including passengers in the back seat. Travel safely! ... See MoreSee Less
Safe driving means sharing the road with bicyclists. Here are some reminders:
💭 Biyclists are legally allowed to be in the travel lane. It's their right.
🚫🔊 Refrain from honking your horn around cyclists as this can startle them and result in erratic and unsafe behavior.
👀 Always check your blind spots for cyclists, especially at intersections.
🚦If you are turning right on red, you MUST yield for bicyclists.
#WatchForMeCT #Bicyclists #ShareTheRoad ... See MoreSee Less
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.
#WatchForMeCT #roaddiet #DriverSafety ... See MoreSee Less
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.
#WatchForMeCT #pedestriansafety #crosswalksafety ... See MoreSee Less
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.
#WatchForMeCT #PedestrianSafety #BeSeenBeSafe ... See MoreSee Less
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!
#WatchForMeCT #WinterSafety #SnowRemoval ... See MoreSee Less
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.
#WatchForMeCT #DriveSafe #PedestrianSafety #Goals ... See MoreSee Less
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.
#WatchForMeCT #NewYear #DriveSafe #PedestrianSafety ... See MoreSee Less
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/
#WatchForMeCT #TrafficFatalities #DriveSober ... See MoreSee Less
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.
#WatchForMeCT #HappyNewYear #NotOneMore ... See MoreSee Less
The Newtown Bee 👏👏👏
... See MoreSee Less
Please Drive Safe In 2025
www.newtownbee.com
Once again, The Newtown Bee is asking its readers to be aware of their surroundings and watch for pedestrians as they are driving, especially with the longer hours of darkness making walkers more diff...Remember that your choices impact more than just you. Don’t let your festive spirit break the spirits of our dedicated trauma teams. Their holidays shouldn’t be spent in agony over preventable accidents.
Plan ahead—call a sober ride and keep everyone safe. Let’s ensure our celebrations are joyful, not tragic.
#HolidaySafety #SoberRides #PreventImpairedDriving #CTNotOneMore ... See MoreSee Less
www.nbcconnecticut.com/investigations/reckless-on-our-roads-safer-streets-sidewalks/3460556/ ... See MoreSee Less
Reckless on our Roads: Safer streets through sidewalks
www.nbcconnecticut.com
Our state has remained on a near record pace for pedestrian deaths, but an effort has been mounted to help. Across our state, towns have taken advantage of state and federal programs to add, enhance a...Be seen, be safe! Pedestrians and cyclists should wear bright-colored or reflective clothing to further alert drivers to their presence. 🚗 Cars that are traveling 40 miles per hour take 120 feet to come to a complete stop under ideal circumstances. That's why wearing reflectors or reflective material is so important!
#WatchForMeCT #BeSeenBeSafe ... See MoreSee Less