October 4, 2024
October is Pedestrian Safety Month
WETHERSFIELD, CT – The Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) is announcing the observance of Pedestrian Safety Month this October, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of pedestrian safety in our community. It is crucial to remind everyone - drivers, pedestrians, and local businesses – about our shared responsibility to create safer roads for all.
According to recent statistics, pedestrian fatalities have been on the rise, highlighting the urgent need for increased awareness and proactive measures.
According to the Connecticut Transportation Safety Research Center, most pedestrian crashes occur during October, November, and December between 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. While our state is tracking 29% ahead of last year in terms of pedestrian-related fatalities, there are steps that can be taken to improve your safety:
- Stay visible. Wear bright or reflective clothing.
- Use crosswalks. Always cross at designated crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
- Be aware of your surroundings. Avoid distractions, like using your cell phone, even when walking.
- Yield to pedestrians. Drivers should always yield to pedestrians.
“At some point, we are all pedestrians, and we all share the responsibility of being aware of our surroundings,” said DMV Commissioner Tony Guerrera. “Drivers in particular, need to exercise extra caution during the evening commute when the sun is setting or has already set, making it harder to see pedestrians.”
Additionally, the agency encourages parents of children who walk or bike to school to prioritize safety. It’s essential to talk to your kids about being aware of their surroundings, using crosswalks and following traffic signals.
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