CTDOT Launches Distracted Driving Awareness and Enforcement Campaign to Keep Connecticut Roads Safe

Every distraction is a beast. Don't be the prey. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     CTDOT Launches Distracted Driving Awareness and Enforcement Campaign to Keep Connecticut Roads Safe Posted on March 31 , 2025 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced the launch of a statewide distracted driving enforcement and new public awareness campaign during National Distracted Driving Awareness Month in April. In partnership with State and local law enforcement and the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the campaign will step up efforts to enforce distracted-driving laws from April 1 to April 30, 2025. Additionally, CTDOT is launching a new public awareness campaign to show how distractions are causing crashes, injuries, and fatalities on Connecticut roads. WATCH: Distracted Driving is a Beast Nationally in 2022, 3,308 people were killed, and nearly 290,000 people were injured in traffic crashes involving distracted drivers. In Connecticut in 2022, the last year of verifiable data, there were 5,318 crashes attributed to distracted driving that resulted in eight fatalities and more than 787 injuries. "Safety should always be the top priority for drivers, and that means focusing on the road, not on a screen," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Every moment you spend behind the wheel requires your full attention. This enforcement and awareness campaign is a clear reminder that distracted driving is both illegal and deadly. Let's all do our part and commit to making Connecticut's roads safer for everyone." "One moment of distraction can change everything," said Colonel Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police. "Stay focused, stay responsible, and help keep our roads safe for everyone." "Every year, hundreds of crashes occur on our roadways due to drivers being distracted by their devices," said Watertown Police Chief Josh Bernegger, Chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee. "Connecticut's police officers are committed to keeping our roads and highways safe for all and will be actively enforcing the state's distracted driving laws." The CTDOT urges drivers to prioritize safety by eliminating distractions while driving. Follow these simple tips to stay safe on the road: If you need to send or receive a text, pull over and park in a safe location before using your phone. Designate a passenger to manage calls and messages while you drive. Avoid social media use while driving—no post is worth risking your life. Do not use a vehicle's "infotainment" screen or other portable video players while operating a motor vehicle. If you struggle to resist checking your device, enable the "Do Not Disturb" feature, silence notifications, or place your phone out of reach in the glove box or back seat until you arrive. For more information on distracted driving prevention, visit nhtsa.gov/campaign/distracted-driving. Connecticut Department of Transportation 2800 Berlin Turnpike P.O. Box 317546 Newington, CT 06131-7546 860-594-2000 Twitter You're receiving this email because you opted in to receive notices from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Edit your subscription Unsubscribe instantly

CTDOT Announces Start of 2025 Ferry Season

Season starts Tuesday, April 1 at 7 a.m. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     CTDOT Announces Start of 2025 Ferry Season Posted on March 29 , 2025 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced the start of the 2025 Ferry Season. The historical Chester-Hadlyme Ferry will begin its 2025 season at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, April 1. However, due to sustained high water levels on the Connecticut River, the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry will open at a later date. The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry and the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry are some of the most unique modes of transportation in the country, where pedestrians, bicyclists, and vehicles are all welcome. Last season, the Chester-Hadlyme Ferry and the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry combined to carry more than 100,000 passengers and 45,000 vehicles across the river. "Spring is here and that means another ferry season on the Connecticut River. No matter if someone is driving, walking, or biking, the ferries are an enjoyable way to travel," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer. "It's going to be another great season on the Connecticut River. We're looking forward to welcoming back crews and passengers, and we invite first time riders to come and enjoy these wonderful services." The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry is the oldest continuously operating ferry in America, which began service in 1655. At one time, two horses on treadmills supplied the power to propel the vessel across the river. In 1876, the ferry was modernized to steam driven crafts. Today's craft is a three-car barge named the Hollister III that is towed back and forth by the Cumberland, a diesel-powered tugboat. The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry launched in 1769, and CTDOT began operating the service in 1917. It can carry eight or nine cars and 49 passengers, and thanks to having a propeller and rudder on both ends of the boat, and travels back and forth without needing to turn around. When the ferries are in service, they operate on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and on weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Whether walking, biking, or taking a car, paying a fare is easy using the Token Transit app or by scanning the QR code at the ferry landings. Weather conditions, water levels, or mechanical issues may impact ferry operations, with any closures and delays shared online. Members of the public are encouraged to sign up for alerts on the real-time travel and traffic information website CTroads.com. For additional information on the ferries, including fares, schedules, and complete history, please visit CT.gov/DOT/CTferries. Connecticut Department of Transportation 2800 Berlin Turnpike P.O. Box 317546 Newington, CT 06131-7546 860-594-2000 Twitter You're receiving this email because you opted in to receive notices from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Edit your subscription Unsubscribe instantly

CTDOT Urges Drivers to Check for Open Vehicle Recalls

Web Version     CTDOT Urges Drivers to Check for Open Vehicle Recalls Posted on March 3 , 2025 Vehicle Safety Recalls Week is March 3-9, 2025 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is joining the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to raise awareness during Vehicle Safety Recalls Week, observed from March 3-9, 2025. With over 58 million vehicles on U.S. roadways carrying open safety recalls, CTDOT urges all vehicle owners to check their vehicles and address any outstanding recalls. In Connecticut alone, an estimated 550,000 vehicles have open recalls, including more than 48,000 with unrepaired Takata airbags. NHTSA recalled approximately 67 million Takata airbags between 2014 and 2016 due to a defect that can cause them to explode during deployment, potentially causing serious injury or death. "Unrepaired recalls pose serious risks to drivers, passengers, and others on the road," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "We encourage all Connecticut drivers to take a few minutes to check their vehicle for open recalls. It's fast, free, and could save lives." "It's important for all motorists to stay informed about recalls that may affect their vehicles," said Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles Commissioner Tony Guerrera. "To help with this, we instructed emissions testing stations to provide notifications of any outstanding recalls during routine emissions tests. It's important for motorists to take recalls seriously and to act promptly."  Checking for open recalls is simple. Vehicle owners can visit CheckToProtect.org and enter their Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to see if their vehicle has an open recall. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorized dealerships. Employers and fleet managers are also encouraged to regularly review their vehicle inventory for recalls to ensure the safety of their drivers and the communities they serve. Check To Protect is a national campaign led by the National Safety Council (NSC) to encourage drivers to check for and repair open vehicle recalls. The NSC is a nonprofit dedicated to eliminating preventable deaths and injuries through research, education, and advocacy. The campaign partners with automakers, safety organizations, and government agencies to promote safer roads. To learn more, please visit nhtsa.gov/recalls.  Connecticut Department of Transportation 2800 Berlin Turnpike P.O. Box 317546 Newington, CT 06131-7546 860-594-2000 Twitter You're receiving this email because you opted in to receive notices from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Edit your subscription Unsubscribe instantly

CTDOT Announces Public Comment Period for Proposed CTtransit Service Changes

Web Version     CTDOT Announces Public Comment Period for Proposed CTtransit Service Changes Posted on February 28 , 2025 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced the public comment period is open for proposed bus service changes in the CTtransit New Haven and Hartford divisions, Hartford Express services, and CTfastrak services. Proposed bus service changes include the expansion of service hours and service frequency, route modifications, one new route, and discontinuations of some routes and services to create a more streamlined and customer-focused system. Full details on the proposed service changes, including ways to provide comment, are available at ct.gov/dot/proposedtransitchanges. CTDOT and CTtransit staff will be available to provide information and accept comments on the proposed service changes and the service equity analysis at open houses in New Haven and Hartford on the following dates and times: Tuesday, March 18, 2025: Kennedy Mitchell Hall of Records, 200 Orange Street, New Haven, CT 06510, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 19, 2025: Park Street Library at the Lyric, 2nd Floor Room, 603 Park Street, Hartford, CT 06106, 5:30-7:30 p.m. In the event of cancellation due to inclement weather, public meetings will be rescheduled exactly one week later at the same time and location. "Public input is critically important to helping us ensure our transit system remains customer-focused and serves the people of Connecticut," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer. "These open houses are an opportunity for customers to learn more about and comment on near-term and longer-term proposed bus service changes. We look forward to hearing from the public in the weeks ahead." CTDOT will consider all comments received during the public comment period when approving the final service changes. CTDOT encourages all members of the public to participate in one or more of the open houses and submit comments. Members of the public may also submit comments by emailing dot.proposedtransitchanges@ct.gov or calling (860) 597-8226. Written comments may also be submitted to: Comment on Proposed Service Changes Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau of Public Transportation P.O. Box 317546 Newington, CT 06131-7546 Language assistance may be requested by contacting the CTDOT Language Assistance Call Line at (860) 594-2109. Requests should be made at least five business days prior to the meeting. Language assistance is provided at no cost to the public, and efforts will be made to respond to timely requests for assistance. For more information on the proposed changes and how to attend the open houses, provide comments, and access the service equity analysis documents, please visit ct.gov/dot/proposedtransitchanges. The public comment period closes on Thursday, April 3, 2025. Connecticut Department of Transportation 2800 Berlin Turnpike P.O. Box 317546 Newington, CT 06131-7546 860-594-2000 Twitter You're receiving this email because you opted in to receive notices from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Edit your subscription Unsubscribe instantly

CTDOT, Law Enforcement Agencies Launch High-Risk Rural Roads Enforcement Campaign

Increased rural road traffic enforcement runs from March 1 to May 30, 2025 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     CTDOT, Law Enforcement Agencies Launch High-Risk Rural Roads Enforcement Campaign Posted on February 26 , 2025 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), in partnership with state and local law enforcement agencies, today announced the launch of a High-Risk Rural Roads Enforcement Campaign to improve roadway safety and reduce speed-related crashes on rural roads. Running from March 1 to May 30, 2025, the enforcement campaign will focus on increasing police patrols on rural roadways, deploying advanced speed-detection technology, and boosting public awareness through a statewide media campaign. The $2 million initiative is funded by the Federal Highway Administration. The CTDOT announced the 91-day enforcement campaign on Wednesday at the Montville Police Department along with Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz and various law enforcement officials. "Most of my days are spent on Connecticut's roads, and as I travel throughout our beautiful state taking in our scenic routes, I am also shocked to see dangerous driving habits – especially along our rural roads," said Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz. "CTDOT and our local law enforcement agencies have been invaluable partners in our efforts to keep the state's roadways safer, and this campaign shows their continued commitment. I hope the Connecticut motorists will take steps to drive safer – not just during this campaign, but throughout the year. Let's work together so that we all get home safe!" "Rural roads are not just scenic—they can be deadly when drivers speed or drive recklessly," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Laoise King. "The success of our first campaign demonstrated that targeted enforcement and public awareness can make a real impact in reducing crashes and saving lives. This renewed effort sends a clear message: slow down, pay attention, and drive responsibly." "As law enforcement officers, one of our primary goals is to ensure the safety of all road users," said Chief Marc Balestracci, Waterford Police Department, member of Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee. "Speeding on rural roads not only endangers the driver but also pedestrians, cyclists, and other motorists. We are committed to enforcing speed limits and promoting safe driving behaviors to reduce preventable tragedies in our communities." "In Montville, we've seen firsthand how targeted enforcement on high-risk rural roads makes a real difference in preventing crashes and saving lives," said Montville Police Chief Wilfred Blanchette III. "Thanks to the 2024 initiative, our officers made 887 traffic stops and issued over 110 citations for speeding, reckless, and impaired driving. These roads are crucial to our community, connecting residents, businesses, and schools, but they can quickly become dangerous when drivers exceed the speed limit. We urge everyone to slow down, stay alert, and follow the rules of the road." "Troopers patrol not just highways in Connecticut, but also rural roads in the dozens of towns that we cover. They have witnessed reckless driving habits such as speeding and operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs – illegal behaviors which lead to crashes, injuries, or death," said Colonel Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police. "We count on the public to be our partners in safety by following the rules of the road and calling 911 when they witness reckless driving, as this is a true emergency." The CTDOT launched its first High-Risk Rural Roads Enforcement Campaign in 2024, which led to over 7,600 traffic stops and 4,300 speeding citations, demonstrating measurable success in curbing dangerous driving behaviors on rural roads. Through this initiative, CTDOT also provided funds for local and state police departments to purchase speed-detection technology, such as radar, lidar, and speed indicator signs. From 2019 to 2023, Connecticut averaged 44 rural road fatalities annually, accounting for 14 percent of all roadway deaths statewide. Of those rural road fatalities, 25 percent were speed related. Preliminary data for 2024 indicate there were 94,766 crashes and 328 fatalities in the state. Penalties for speeding vary by location and documented speed. But fines can range from $200 to $500 and might include a mandatory court date. For more information, visit portal.ct.gov/highwaysafetyoffice/traffic-safety-programs/speeding.   Connecticut Department of Transportation 2800 Berlin Turnpike P.O. Box 317546 Newington, CT 06131-7546 860-594-2000 Twitter You're receiving this email because you opted in to receive notices from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Edit your subscription Unsubscribe instantly