CTDOT Press Releases
05/09/2023
CTDOT Recognizes Older Americans Month this May with a Public Reminder to Motorists: Slow Down and Pay Attention Behind the Wheel
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), Connecticut Department of Aging and Disability Services (CTADS), and Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles (CTDMV) join the Clearinghouse for Older Road User Safety (ChORUS) in recognizing Older Americans Month this May with a public safety reminder to motorists: slow down and pay attention behind the wheel.
In Connecticut in 2022, preliminary data shows that 69 pedestrians were killed, of which 18 were over 65 years of age. An estimated 1,210 pedestrians were injured, of which 162 were age 65 or above. Nationally, in 2021, the last year of verified data, 7,388 pedestrians were killed, and an estimated 60,577 were injured.
“It’s great to see the many older adults enjoying their mobility. Whether driving, walking, bicycling, or using alternate transportation, more and more of our older residents are out and about. We need all roadway users to stay alert when they are behind the wheel so people can feel and remain safe,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “To keep our roadways safe we all need to look out for one another, drive sober, and remain alert.”
“The 2023 theme for Older Americans Month is “Aging Unbound”, which embraces the value to our communities when older adults are engaged, independent and included,” said Connecticut Aging and Disability Services Commissioner Amy Porter. “DOT’s focus on pedestrian safety supports these goals by ensuring that our communities are safe for all Connecticut citizens, including older adults.”
“Having the ability to drive and move throughout the community freely gives older adults a sense of independence,” said Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Tony Guerrera. “Older drivers and their families should have conversations to ensure they’re exercising safe driving behaviors.”
Throughout the month, the CTDOT Highway Safety Office will continue its public education campaign for older pedestrians, titled “Words to Live By.” The campaign, developed with AARP and Watch for Me CT, helps increase awareness about the need for pedestrian safety, given the increasing rise in crashes and fatal injuries to Connecticut’s older pedestrian population.
CTDOT offers the following tips for motorists to help reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities:
- Safety is a shared responsibility. Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times.
- Use extra caution when driving in low-visibility conditions such as nighttime or inclement weather.
- Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or entering a crosswalk.
- Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop at the designated area away from the crosswalk.
- Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing that you cannot see.
- Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Follow the speed limit.
- Follow slower speed limits in school zones and neighborhoods where children are present.
- Be extra cautious when backing up—pedestrians can move into your path.
Funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), ChORUS provides professionals and individuals resources to engage in addressing safety among older drivers and pedestrians.
For more information on ChORUS, visit roadsafeseniors.org. For more information on pedestrian safety, visit nhsta.gov.
FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES:
OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS
860-594-3062
CTDOTMedia@ct.gov
Twitter: @CTDOTOfficial
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