With the arrival of spring, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is reminding drivers to stay alert and prioritize safety.
As warmer weather and longer daylight hours encourage more people to engage in outdoor activities like walking and biking, CTDOT emphasizes the need for heightened awareness and responsible behavior on the road.
In Connecticut, preliminary data for 2024 shows that there were more than 1,400 crashes involving pedestrians and bicyclists on Connecticut roads, with 67 fatalities and nearly 250 serious injuries.
“With spring here we know more people will be embracing outdoor activities. We remind drivers that roads are shared and used by everyone, so stay alert and follow all traffic laws to ensure everybody stays safe,” said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. “By being cautious, respectful, and staying aware, we can create a safer environment for all travelers.”
To help ensure a safer environment for all, the CTDOT provides the following safety guidelines:
For Drivers:
- Obey all speed limits in parking areas and access roads.
- Always be prepared to stop for pedestrians, especially at crosswalks.
- Slow down when approaching groups of people.
- Stay alert for unpredictable movements.
- Avoid distractions, obey traffic laws, and drive sober.
For Pedestrians:
- Walk facing traffic and stay vigilant for distracted drivers.
- When walking in groups, form a single-file line to maximize safety.
- Use marked crosswalks whenever available.
For Bicyclists:
- Ride on the right in the direction of traffic and wear bright clothing or reflective gear to increase your visibility.
- Wear a properly fitted helmet correctly on every ride to help prevent head injury.
- Follow the rules of the road as though you were a car, obeying stop signs and traffic signals.
For more safety tips and helpful information, visit ct.gov/dot.