The Connecticut Department of Transportation Reminds Travelers to Share the Road

CONNECTICUT DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

NEWS RELEASE

2800 BERLIN TURNPIKE P.O. BOX 317546

NEWINGTON CONNECTICUT, 06131-7456

FOR RELEASE: August 30, 2010

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS

TELEPHONE: (860) 594-3062

FAX: (860) 594-3065

WEB SITE: www.ct.gov/dot

The Connecticut Department of Transportation Reminds Travelers to “Share the Road”

The Connecticut Department of Transportation has launched its 2010 “Share the Road” campaign, highlighting the “3-feet” law that went into effect in late 2008, designed to provide a buffer zone for bicyclists. The goal of the campaign is to improve the safety of all travelers, including bicyclists, pedestrians, and equestrians, through awareness and education.

“In Connecticut alone, we see an average of 5 bicyclists and 38 pedestrian fatalities each year, and even more are seriously injured,” said David M. Head, Transportation Supervising Planner at the Connecticut Department of Transportation. “Our goal with this campaign is to remind residents that whether you are driving your car, truck, SUV, riding your bike, or merely walking, your safety depends on sharing the road safely with others.”

The percentage of cyclists and pedestrians involved in fatal accidents compared to overall accidents each year is 0.7% and 3%, respectively. The percentage of automobile occupants involved in fatal accidents compared to overall accidents is 0.2%.

Improving the safety of pedestrians and bicyclists is an essential element of the statewide safety program because pedestrians and bicyclists are at a disproportionate risk of fatal or serious injuries as a percentage of all accident types. From 2005 to 2007, for example, 104, or almost 14 percent of the 796 people killed in traffic crashes were pedestrians; 5 percent of those were under the age of 18.

The new “Three Feet” law, which took effect October 1, 2008, requires motorists to allow at least three (3) feet of separation when overtaking and passing cyclists on Connecticut roads. Motorists who fail to do so risk fines.

For more information on the “Share the Road” campaign, and to get tips for motorists, bicyclists and pedestrians on how to stay safe, visit www.sharetheroadct.org or visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ShareTheRoadCT