Driving is an enormous responsibility. When you grip the wheel you’re holding your own life and the lives of others in your hands. Always obey the rules of the road. Subtract the distractions, especially cell phone use, that take your eyes and mind off the road. And, most importantly, watch for pedestrians, bicyclists and other vehicles. They have a right to the roadways, too.
Be Safe
Speed kills! Obey all speed limits. A pedestrian hit by a car going 40 mph has an 85% chance of being killed. At 20 mph the risk is reduced to 5%.
Come to a complete stop at stop signs and red lights.
Avoid distracted driving, aggressive driving, and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Be Aware
Signal your turns and look both ways before changing lanes, turning, and at driveways.
Expect the unexpected around curves and over hills where visibility ahead is limited.
Don’t rely on eye contact to confirm that a cyclist or pedestrian sees you. They might not.
It’s safer to assume they don’t see you.
Watch for Bicyclists
Bicyclists have the same rights and responsibilities as drivers, and are allowed to ride in the travel lane.
Expect bicyclists in the travel lane, and let bicyclists ride as far to the right as is safe. Give them space to avoid hazards like potholes, debris, and drain grates.
Keep at least 3 feet of space between your vehicle and a bicyclist – it’s the law.
Be aware of actions that could startle a bicyclist: Don’t blast your horn, don’t pass a bicyclist if you’re immediately turning right, and make sure you won’t cut a bicyclist off before moving back in your lane.
You may cross the center line to pass a bicyclist if it’s safe and does not interfere with oncoming traffic.
Be vigilant at intersections. For left turns, yield to oncoming cyclists. For right turns, always check for cyclists behind you to avoid cutting them off. Assume cyclists are traveling straight unless they signal otherwise or are in a turn lane.
Mind the door zone: Check for bicyclists before opening your car door so you don’t hit them, and open the door with your right hand to force you to look over your left shoulder for bicyclists.
Watch for Pedestrians
Yield to pedestrians at an intersection:
Every intersection is a crosswalk, even if it’s not marked.
Do not stop in a crosswalk.
Be patient: Give disabled pedestrians plenty of time to cross the street. Rushing them endangers their safety.
Do not pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk in the event there is a pedestrian crossing that you cannot see. Stop and proceed when all pedestrians have crossed the street.
Do not drive on a sidewalk, except to cross it to enter or exit a driveway or alley. When crossing, yield to all pedestrians.
(Adapted from Bike Walk CT’s “Give Respect, Get Respect.
Share the Road, Connecticut” www.bikewalkct.org)
Connecticut continues to install more roundabouts across the state as a safer alternative to traditional intersections. Designed to slow traffic and reduce conflict points, roundabouts help lower the risk of serious crashes, keep vehicles moving efficiently, and improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists alike. When approaching a roundabout, slow down, yield to traffic already circulating, enter when it’s clear, stay in your lane, and use your turn signal when exiting.
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Are you wearing your helmet properly? Anna Stern shares the most important addition to your bike ride, your helmet, and demonstrates how to properly fit it to ensure maximum protection.
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Let’s hear it for the Safe Routes to School program! 👏 See what students are saying about walking, biking, and rolling to school safely.
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Who better to ask about our Safe Routes to School program than the students they teach?! Safe Routes is a program that educates students on the fun and safe practices of riding a bike or scooter. It's a great way to get them outside and exercising! Learn more about the program and how your school can get involved: https://portal.ct.gov/dot/programs/saferoutes?language=en_US #CTDOT #SafeRoutesToSchool #Bicycle #BikeRide
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🚲🤝 Share the Road
In Connecticut, bicyclists are considered vehicles under state law and have the right to use the travel lane—just like cars.
Here’s what to know:
• Bicyclists ride in the same direction as traffic
• They should ride as far to the right as is safe, unless making a left turn
• After snowstorms, riders may need to stay closer to the center of the lane to avoid snow banks and debris
🚗 Passing a bicyclist?
You may pass only if you can give at least 3 feet of space. State law allows drivers to cross a double yellow line to pass safely—but if you can’t pass with enough space, wait until it’s safe to do so.
A little patience goes a long way in keeping everyone safe.
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Both pedestrians and drivers share responsibility for staying safe while getting where they need to go. The next time you head out the door, follow these safety tips to stay safe!
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Winnie and Wally are here reminding us that on dark winter nights, it is important to wear brightly colored or reflective clothing, making it easier for drivers to see you and your family when crossing roads or within parking areas.
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Safety reminder for drivers: If your vehicle breaks down on the highway, stay inside your car whenever possible. Exiting your vehicle can put you at greater risk from passing traffic. Call for assistance, turn on your hazard lights, and remain inside until help arrives.
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Winter conditions often bring people outdoors to clear sidewalks and driveways near roadways. Drivers should slow down, stay alert, and watch for individuals using shovels or snow blowers close to the street—especially during low-light hours. A little extra caution can help keep everyone safe.
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🌙🚶♀️ Most pedestrian crashes happen in the dark.
Why? Headlights only reach so far, and drivers need time to see a hazard, react, and slow down. According to the Federal Highway Administration, better lighting helps drivers spot pedestrians and other hazards sooner—giving them more time to respond.
💡 The impact is significant: Improved lighting can reduce nighttime pedestrian crashes by up to 42%.
Good lighting saves lives. Seeing sooner means reacting sooner.
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