Winnie & Wally!

At Watch for Me CT, we believe the best way to keep our communities safe is by teaching safe habits early. Winnie’s role is to show grown-ups how important it is to lead by example, while her joey, Wally reminds us that little eyes are always watching and learning. Together, they help families talk about safety in a fun, memorable way.

PROTECTING KIDS

According to recommendations from both the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the National Center for Safe Routes to School children under 10 are not ready to cross the street alone and should not do so.

Young children often do not have the motor skills or cognitive abilities to safely navigate being near the road.

According to the American Association of Pediatrics (AAP), with a couple very limited exceptions, children under the age of 10 should never be near the road by themselves. Due to age-appropriate developmental limitations, children under the age of 10 can struggle with scanning for traffic, judging vehicle speed/distance, anticipating driver behavior, and determining if it is safe to cross the road.

Using the front yard as a play area can be dangerous, especially for younger children, because of the proximity to traffic and the risk of driveway backovers. Play away from vehicles!

As children get a little older and their brains develop further, they gain the skills needed to safely navigate the road.

In addition to the developmental milestones, in late elementary and middle school, kids will have practiced safe behavior near the road with parents, responsible older siblings, or other trusted adults. This supervised practice teaches kids what they are supposed to do and models correct behavior for them to copy when they are by themselves.

Model Good Behavior – Children watch their parents and other adults (and older siblings) in their lives. Modelling safe behavior can help teach kids what they are supposed to do.

Supervise! – Consider your child’s age and maturity level before reducing supervision. While the 10-year-old number is a good benchmark, every kid is different and that’s ok!

Consider the Surroundings – For older children, the type of road factors into how much supervision your child needs. A quiet cul-de-sac is generally much safer than a busy state route.

Be Visible – Make sure that your child is wearing bright or reflective clothing, even during the day. Pedestrians are the smallest road users so it is important to do whatever you can to be as visible as possible.

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Seeing a blinking yellow arrow at an intersection? Here’s what it means:
➡️ When the blinking light is on, you may turn, but only if it’s safe.
⚠️ Before turning, look for pedestrians in the crosswalk. They have the right of way, so wait until the path is clear before turning.
These signals help keep traffic moving while still keeping everyone safe. When in doubt, wait it out. 🚸
#WatchForMeCT #PedestrianSafety #BicyclistSafety #TrafficSafety #KnowTheSignals #DriveSmart
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Happy Earth Day! 🌎🌱 It’s a great time to get outside, enjoy Connecticut’s natural beauty, and choose active, eco-friendly ways to get around like walking or biking. Just remember to stay safe by using crosswalks, staying alert, and watching for traffic while you’re out celebrating. 🚸

Find Earth Day celebrations here: ow.ly/OuVi50YAMtY

#WatchForMeCT #PedestrianSafety #BicyclistSafety
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Happy Earth Day! �

This week is National Work Zone Awareness Week! 🚧 As the weather warms up here in Connecticut, more road work projects will be underway across the state. It’s important for drivers to stay alert, follow posted signs, and use extra caution to help keep workers and everyone safe. 🚸

#WatchForMeCT #SlowDownMoveOver #NWZSW
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This week is Nationa

April is Move More Month! 🌷 It’s a great time for parents to encourage kids to get outside, stay active, and enjoy the fresh air. As you do, remember to talk about staying safe near roadways—use crosswalks, stay alert, watch for traffic, and always wear a properly fitted helmet when biking or scooting. 🚸

#WatchForMeCT #PedestrianSafety #BicyclistSafety
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April is Move More M

We offer a variety of resources for parents to explore and share with their families. 📚 From newsletters and safety guides to partnerships with state and national organizations, there are plenty of tools to help keep everyone informed and safe.

Explore them here: ow.ly/LQZb50YAMoP 🚸

#WatchForMeCT #PedestrianSafety #BicyclistSafety
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We offer a variety o

E-bikes are a great way to get around, but don’t forget to check the battery before you buy.
🚫 Avoid counterfeit batteries, they can overheat, catch fire, or even explode
✅ Look for UL-certified e-bikes or, at the very least, UL-certified batteries, which are tested for safety
A safe ride starts with safe equipment.
🔗 Learn more: ow.ly/o8Mi50YAMk0
#WatchForMeCT #BicyclistSafety #EBikeSafety #RideSmart #BatterySafety
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E-bikes are a great

This week is National Public Health Week! 🌎 It’s a great time to recognize how small, everyday choices like practicing safe walking and biking habits help protect our communities.

#WatchForMeCT #PedestrianSafety #BicyclistSafety
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This week is Nationa

Ride the State: Connecticut is back! Join us June 28 for a 67-mile ride from New Haven to Hartford. Limited to 200 riders — it always sells out!

✅ Rest stops, lunch & support vehicle
🚆 Free return ticket for first 100 via CTRail
🌳 Scenic new trail sections

Register by Friday, April 25 to save $25! Link in comments.
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