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Watch For Me CT

We all share the responsibility to
make sure Connecticut roads are
safe for everyone, including pedestrians and bicyclists.

Safe places to walk and bike are important for supporting active, vibrant communities. The “Watch for Me CT” program aims to reduce pedestrian and bicycle injuries and deaths through a comprehensive, targeted approach of public education and police enforcement.

On this site you can learn more about how to be a safer driver, bicyclist, and pedestrian, and ultimately, reduce the number of people hit or killed by vehicles on Connecticut roadways.

About the Campaign

Each year, more than 1,100 pedestrians and 540 bicyclists are hit by cars on Connecticut roadways. Watch for Me CT is a comprehensive program, run by the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) in partnership with Connecticut Children’s Injury Prevention Center, aimed at reducing the number of pedestrians and bicyclists hit and injured in crashes with vehicles.

The Watch for Me CT program involves two key elements: 1) safety and educational messages directed toward drivers, pedestrians and bicyclists, and 2) enforcement efforts by area police to crack down on some of the violations of traffic safety laws. Local programs are typically led by municipal, county, or regional government staff with the involvement of many others, including pedestrian and bicycle advocates, city planners, law enforcement agencies, engineers, public health professionals, elected officials, school administrators and others.

All Connecticut communities are encouraged to use Watch for Me CT campaign materials to improve pedestrian and bicyclist safety in their communities.

Bicycle Safety
Pedestrian Safety
Pedestrian Safety
When do pedestrian crashes most often occur?
Day of the week
  • Weekends: 22 percent
  • Weekdays: 78 percent
Season
  • Spring: 22 percent (Mar-May)
  • Summer: 22 percent (Jun-Aug)
  • Fall: 29 percent (Sept – Nov)
  • Winter: 27 percent (Dec-Feb)
  • Pedestrians have the right of way at marked and unmarked crossings, meaning cars must yield to pedestrians.
  • State law requires pedestrians to use marked crosswalks when they are provided, and it is unlawful to cross a street outside a marked crosswalk if the pedestrian is between two signalized intersections.
  • When NOT at an intersection or marked crosswalk, pedestrians must yield the right of way to all vehicles.
  • At crosswalks with pedestrian signals, state law requires that pedestrians obey the “Walk” and “Don’t Walk” signs in the same way a driver must obey Red or Green lights.
  • State law requires pedestrians walking along the road to use sidewalks when available.
  • When sidewalks are not available, pedestrians are to walk to the far left edge of the road facing traffic. Walking in this direction gives pedestrians the best view of traffic.
  • Look for cars in all directions – including those turning left or right – before crossing the street; never assume a driver will stop.
  • Be careful crossing multiple lanes of traffic. Make sure each lane of traffic is clear before you cross.
  • Enhance your visibility at night. Walk in well-lit areas, carry a flashlight or wear something reflective, such as stickers or armbands, to be more visible.
  • Avoid distraction. More and more we see people texting or talking on cell phones when crossing streets; this diminishes the ability of your two key senses – hearing and seeing – that are used to detect and avoid cars. So particularly when crossing streets, put down the phone for a few seconds.
  • Be predictable to drivers and follow the rules of the road; obey signs and signals.
  • Obey all pedestrian traffic signals.
  • Watch for cars backing up in parking lots; brake lights can mean that a car is about to back up.
  • Cross the street where you have the best view of traffic. At bus stops, cross behind the bus or at the nearest crosswalk.
  • Always walk on the sidewalk; if there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from the roadway as you can.
When do bicyclist crashes most often occur?
Day of the week
  • Weekends: 26 percent
  • Weekdays: 74 percent
Time of day
  • Weekdays: between 2 and 6 pm
  • Weekends: between 11 am and 4 pm
Season
  • More than half of all crashes, 67 percent, occur from May through September
  • Bicyclists must ride on the right in the same direction as traffic and a far to the right as is safe and practicable.
  • Bicyclists must obey all traffic signs and signals.
  • Bicyclist must use hand signals to communicate intended movements, such as turns or stops.
  • At night, bicyclists are required to use a front lamp visible from 300 feet and a rear reflector or reflective clothing that is visible from a distance of 300 feet.
  • Bicyclists under 16 years of age must wear a bicycle helmet on public roads, public paths and public rights-of way
  • All child passengers under 40 pounds or 40 inches must be seated and secured in a child seat or bicycle trailer.
  • Bicyclists being passed by a motor vehicle or another bicyclist should remain as far to the right as possible and not increase their speed while being overtaken.
  • Bicyclists must yield the right-of-way before entering or crossing any main-traveled or through highway if the roadway they are on is posted with a “yield right-of-way” sign.
  • Wear a helmet. It could save your life.
  • Use a light and reflex mirrors or reflective clothing when bicycling at night, and be as visible as possible.
  • Ride in the direction of traffic. Drivers may not be looking for you if you are riding the wrong way.
  • Obey all signs and signals. This includes stopping at stop signs and red lights.
  • Use all of your senses – watch and listen for cars, particularly at intersections and drive ways.
  • Avoid distractions such as listening to headphones or answering phones when riding.

Safety Resources


Pedestrian Safety Resources

Click here to download Pedestrian Safety Facts
Click here to download Pedestrian Safety Tips
Click here to download "Watch For Me" Banner Design
Click here to download "Yield to People in Crosswalks" Banner Design


Bike Safety Resources

Click here to download Bicyclist Safety Facts
Click here to download Bicyclist Safety Tips
Click here to download "Watch For Me" Banner Design
Click here to download "Make Room for Bikes" Banner Design

www.ct.gov/dot/

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