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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In 2024, there were 1,655 crashes involving pedestrians or bicyclists Connecticut. Each of these crashes was preventable. Do your part to share the road. Stay alert in pedestrian-heavy areas and near bike lanes to prevent any more needless tragedies.

#WatchForMeCT #pedestriansafety #PedestrianDeaths
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Anna Stern of Watch for Me CT recently spoke at the CT Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Summit, held at Rentschler Field in East Hartford. She discussed the importance of e-bike safety and associated laws, which has become an increasingly popular topic as they continue to gain popularity.

Visit ow.ly/7ir250XCYaw for more information to maximize safety along with fun!

#WatchForMeCT #ebikes #EBikeSafety
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Anna Stern of Watch for Me CT recently spoke at the CT Law Enforcement Traffic Safety Summit, held at Rentschler Field in East Hartford. She discussed the importance of e-bike safety and associated laws, which has become an increasingly popular topic as they continue to gain popularity.

Visit https://ow.ly/7ir250XCYaw for more information to maximize safety along with fun!

#WatchForMeCT #EBikes #EBikeSafety

Light the way before you walk! Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) alert drivers that you're crossing and can boost yielding rates up to 98%. Use them — they’re there for your safety!
🚶 Push the button to activate the lights.
👀 Look left, right, and left again to be sure all cars have stopped.
🚴 Cyclists should activate the signal too.

#WatchForMeCT #RRFB
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Light the way before you walk! Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons (RRFBs) alert drivers that youre crossing and can boost yielding rates up to 98%. Use them — they’re there for your safety!
🚶 Push the button to activate the lights.
👀 Look left, right, and left again to be sure all cars have stopped.
🚴 Cyclists should activate the signal too.

#WatchForMeCT #RRFB

Alcohol impairment was a factor in 40% of all pedestrian fatalities in 2023, accounting for 2,899 deaths, according to the National Safety Council. If you’ve been drinking or using any substance, use a ride share service or call a taxi so everyone can get home safely.

#WatchForMeCT #DrunkDriving
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Alcohol impairment was a factor in 40% of all pedestrian fatalities in 2023, accounting for 2,899 deaths, according to the National Safety Council. If you’ve been drinking or using any substance, use a ride share service or call a taxi so everyone can get home safely.

#WatchForMeCT #DrunkDriving

Shauna Devlin is just one of many pedestrians who have been lost to traffic violence. Learn more about the movement Shauna inspired and what you can do to prevent needless tragedies on our roadways: ow.ly/tC1i50XzNzR

#WatchForMeCT #ghostshoes #pedestriansafety
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Shauna Devlin is just one of many pedestrians who have been lost to traffic violence. Learn more about the movement Shauna inspired and what you can do to prevent needless tragedies on our roadways: https://ow.ly/tC1i50XzNzR

#WatchForMeCT #GhostShoes #PedestrianSafetyImage attachmentImage attachment+5Image attachment

This week, we’re recognizing Older Driver Safety Awareness Week. Age-related changes in vision, mobility and reaction time can influence driving, but with the right strategies, older adults can stay safe and independent behind the wheel. Learn more: ow.ly/3tMw50XzNzE

#AARP #WatchForMeCT #OlderPedestrianSafety
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This week, we’re recognizing Older Driver Safety Awareness Week. Age-related changes in vision, mobility and reaction time can influence driving, but with the right strategies, older adults can stay safe and independent behind the wheel. Learn more: https://ow.ly/3tMw50XzNzE

#AARP #WatchForMeCT #OlderPedestrianSafety

⚡🚲 Is Your Child Ready for an E-Bike?
E-bikes are becoming super popular — but before buying one for your child, here are a few things to think about 👇

🔹 Age & Rules:
In Connecticut, kids under 16 can’t ride Class 3 e-bikes unless they’re a passenger. There’s no age limit for Class 1 or 2, but keep in mind — Class 2 e-bikes have throttles, making them ride more like a small motorcycle.

🔹 Skill & Development:
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most kids under 10 don’t yet have the judgment or coordination to navigate roadways safely — and even older kids need practice before handling higher speeds.

🔹 Size & Handling:
E-bikes are heavier and faster than regular bikes, which can make them tough for younger riders to control.

💡 Parent Tip:
If your child is new to biking or still learning, start with a regular bike first. It’s safer and helps build the confidence and control they’ll need later on.

#WatchForMeCT #EBikes #EBikeSafety
... See MoreSee Less

⚡🚲 Is Your Child Ready for an E-Bike?
E-bikes are becoming super popular — but before buying one for your child, here are a few things to think about 👇

🔹 Age & Rules:
In Connecticut, kids under 16 can’t ride Class 3 e-bikes unless they’re a passenger. There’s no age limit for Class 1 or 2, but keep in mind — Class 2 e-bikes have throttles, making them ride more like a small motorcycle.

🔹 Skill & Development:
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, most kids under 10 don’t yet have the judgment or coordination to navigate roadways safely — and even older kids need practice before handling higher speeds.

🔹 Size & Handling:
E-bikes are heavier and faster than regular bikes, which can make them tough for younger riders to control.

💡 Parent Tip:
If your child is new to biking or still learning, start with a regular bike first. It’s safer and helps build the confidence and control they’ll need later on.

#WatchForMeCT #EBikes #EBikeSafety

Is your child ready for an e-bike? Amy Watkins of Watch for Me CT returns to review the key factors parents should consider before they buy an e-bike. Learn more ➡️ ow.ly/k81Y50XynvR

#WatchForMeCT #ebikes
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Amy Watkins of Watch for Me CT is back with a buyer-beware message. If you are thinking of buying an e-bike this holiday season, do your homework. Make sure the bike is technically an e-bike as defined by state law. More information on the regulations impacting e-bikes in Connecticut: ow.ly/FvO650XymmA

#WatchForMeCT #ebikes
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