CTDOT Launches New Campaign to Remind Motorists of the Move Over Law

The "Real Lives" Campaign Highlights the Importance of Protecting Roadside Workers and First Responders ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     CTDOT Announces New PSA Campaign to Remind Motorists of the Move Over Law Posted on September 18 , 2024 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) in collaboration with Colchester Fire & EMS and the Connecticut Construction Industries Association (CCIA), today announced the launch of a new public service announcement (PSA) campaign, "Real Lives" to raise awareness about the state's Move Over Law. The PSA, which began airing on all Connecticut television outlets on Monday, September 16, emphasizes the importance of protecting emergency responders, roadside workers, construction workers, and anyone that is on the side of the road by following the Move Over Law. The campaign includes broadcast and cable TV, streaming TV, radio, streaming radio, paid social, video pre-roll and gas station radio. WATCH: "Real Lives 1" and "Real Lives 2" "CTDOT crews, construction workers, tow operators, and emergency responders face extreme danger while working on the roadways, often just feet from speeding traffic," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Laoise King. "This new PSA campaign is designed to remind everyone to slow down and move over whenever they see a vehicle on the roadside. The Move Over Law is essential to preventing crashes, reducing injuries, and saving lives." Between 2017 and 2021, 16 people lost their lives in roadside crashes in Connecticut, with 13 of these fatalities occurring after dark. The Move Over Law, originally enacted in 2009 and expanded in 2017, was further strengthened last year. The law now applies even to one-lane roads, requiring drivers to slow down for all vehicles, including disabled vehicles, when they cannot physically move over. Connecticut's Move Over Law (Sec. 14-283b) requires drivers to slow down and move over for any vehicle stopped on the roadside, not just emergency vehicles. This law applies to all highways and side roads with two or more lanes in one direction. If it is not safe to change lanes, drivers must slow down and proceed with caution. Violators of the law may face fines, especially if their actions result in injury or death. The "Real Lives" PSA features a variety of real individuals, not actors, that represent various essential roadside service roles including local and state law enforcement, a firefighter, an EMT, local and state maintainers, and a local tow truck operator. Their collective involvement underscores the wide range of people who rely on the Move Over Law for their safety. "Roadside workers, including law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, public works employees, and tow truck operators, risk their lives every day while serving our communities," said Fire Chief Steven Hoffman, Colchester Fire & EMS. "This PSA is about protecting those who protect us and ensuring that every roadside worker makes it home safely at the end of their shift." The PSA campaign aims to educate the public on the following key points of Connecticut's Move Over Law: Move Over: When approaching a stopped vehicle on the roadside, if you are on a highway with two or more lanes in one direction, safely move over one lane. Slow Down: If it is not safe to move over, drivers must slow down to a reasonable speed below the posted limit and proceed with caution. All Vehicles: The law applies to any stopped vehicle on the roadside, not just emergency or service vehicles. Penalties: Violators of the law may face fines, with penalties increasing significantly if a crash results in injury or death. As part of the campaign, CTDOT, Colchester Fire & EMS, and CCIA are urging drivers to stay alert, avoid distractions, and be mindful of roadside workers. By following the Move Over Law, motorists can significantly reduce the risk of collisions and keep both workers and other drivers safe. For more information about the Move Over Law and how you can help protect those working on the roadways, please visit https://portal.ct.gov/highwaysafetyoffice/traffic-safety-programs/move-over-law. 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

Railroad Crossing Safety Improvement Projects in Plainfield

Work to begin later this month ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Railroad Crossing Safety Improvement Projects in Plainfield to Begin in Late September Posted on September 13 , 2024 A 36-hour detour will be in place during construction The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is alerting the public that the replacement of railroad crossings at Route 14/School Street and Texas Heights Road in Plainfield will take place in late-September and early-October. To ensure the safety of workers and the public, and to facilitate installation of new rail crossing infrastructure, the area near the rail crossings will be closed to all vehicular and pedestrian traffic for approximately 36 hours. Each crossing will be rehabilitated separately, and only one roadway will be closed at a time. The existing railroad crossings are being completely replaced with all-new materials to enhance safety, offer smooth crossing for motorists, and ensures freight rail service in the region continues into the future.  The work will require detours due to full closure of each road directly at the railroad crossing during each crossing's construction. All businesses and/or residences on the affected roads will remain accessible throughout these short-term construction projects. Detours will be posted to bypass the construction sites. The public is asked to stay clear of each construction site for their own safety. Dates for each crossing are as follows: Texas Heights (Water Street) rail crossing – September 26 and 27 Route 14/School Street – October 3 and 4 "It's important that freight lines in Connecticut remain in a state of good repair. We ask motorists for patience and to follow the posted detour routes during construction," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Bureau Chief of Public Transportation Benjamin Limmer. "These are important safety upgrades to the freight line. The strong partnership with Town of Plainfield, Providence and Worcester Railroad, and the local community helps ensure this project will be successful." The work is being performed in coordination between the CTDOT, Town of Plainfield, first responders, bus and transit providers, and the Providence and Worcester Railroad. Efforts are being taken to minimize the impact on residents and businesses. This construction project is being funded by the Providence and Worcester Railroad (a subsidy of Genesee & Wyoming, Inc.), the owner/operator of the rail line. Extreme weather may alter the project schedules. Members of the public with questions are encouraged to contact the CTDOT Customer Care Center at (860) 594-2560 or DOT.CustomerCare@ct.gov 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 to Hold Child Seat Checks During Child Passenger Safety Week

Free events are open to the public ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     CTDOT to Hold Child Seat Checks During Child Passenger Safety Week Posted on September 12 , 2024 In recognition of Child Safety Passenger Week (September 15-21), the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is announcing a series of free child seat safety events for parents, guardians, and caregivers in September. These events will feature certified child passenger safety technicians who will demonstrate how to properly install and use car seats, ensuring that children are secured correctly.   Motor vehicle crashes remain one of the leading causes of death among children. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 756 children tragically lost their lives in passenger vehicle crashes in 2022, with over 120,000 more suffering injuries. In Connecticut in 2022, 48 children under 13 years old were injured due to no or improper restraint use in a crash.   "Parents, guardians, and caregivers have a responsibility to keep their children safe. That includes ensuring their car seats are installed correctly in the event of a crash," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Laoise King. "Properly installed car seats save lives, but the alarming truth is that nearly half of all car seats are installed incorrectly. That is no fault of the adults installing the car seats as the space can be awkward and it can be complicated to get it just right. Our goal during Child Passenger Safety Week is to help parents and caregivers sleep better at night knowing they have the knowledge and resources to keep their children safe on the road."   In 2022, more than a third (39%) of children who died while riding in passenger vehicles were unrestrained. A NHTSA study found that while most parents believe they are correctly installing their car seats, about half (48%) are not. Common mistakes include using the wrong type of car seat for the child's age and size and improper installation, both of which can leave children vulnerable in the event of a crash. Properly used car seats can reduce the risk of fatal injury by 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers in passenger cars.   At each free event, parents, guardians, and caregivers will receive hands-on instruction from trained technicians. The technicians will help ensure that car seats are appropriate for the child's age and size and that they are installed correctly. Additionally, attendees will learn about the importance of registering car seats with the manufacturer to receive notifications in case of recalls.   Child Seat Check-Up events will be held during Child Passenger Safety Week at the following locations:   Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 12 p.m. – 3 p.m. Meriden Fire Department, Engine 2, 168 Chamberlain Hwy., Meriden To book your free appointment, email Sergeant Adam Kery at akery@meridenct.gov.   Tuesday, September 17, 2024, 3 p.m. – 6 p.m. Griffin Hospital, Griffin Health Community Outreach parking lot, 4 Mountain St., Derby To book your free appointment, email Cathi Kellett at ckellett@griffinhealth.org.   Thursday, September 19, 2024, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Fairfield Shopping Center, 889 Post Rd., Fairfield To book your free appointment, email carseats@ynhh.org by 9/17/24. Appointments are suggested but not required.   Thursday, September 19, 2024, 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. Glastonbury Fire Department, Company 1, 2825 Main St., Glastonbury To book your free appointment, email Sergey Sharov, at sergey.sharov@glastonbury-ct.gov   Friday, September 20, 2024, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Groton Police Department, 295 Meridian St., Groton To book your free appointment, email Juliette Parker at parkerj@cityofgroton-ct.gov or Stephanie DiBenedetto at dibenedettos@cityofgroton-ct.gov   Saturday, September 21, 2024, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Cromwell Fire Department, Coles Road Firehouse, 105 Coles Rd., Cromwell To book your free appointment, call Lt. Alan Dominy at 860-385-3880 or email adominy82@gmail.com   Saturday, September 21, 2024, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Target Parking Lot, 240 Chase Ave., Waterbury To book your free appointment, email Pat Zainc at pzainc@wtbypd.org   Monday, September 23, 2024, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. CT Department of Motor Vehicles, 4 Pearson Way, Enfield To book your free appointment, please email dmv.childsafety@ct.gov   All events are free and open to the public, but appointments must be made in advance where indicated.   For more tips on car seat safety, watch how-to videos, and sign up for car seat recall notifications, please visit nhtsa.gov/therightseat. 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 Launching Major Travel Survey

Surveys are being mailed this week to randomly selected households ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     CTDOT is Announcing the Start of the 2024 Connecticut Daily Travel Survey This Fall Posted on September 3 , 2024 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is launching a major travel survey to better understand how people travel throughout the state. This travel survey will request information from several thousand households about their daily travel habits, asking people where, how far and how often they travel and what modes they use – whether driving, using public transportation, biking or walking. These trips will include those made for work, school, shopping, errands, and socializing with family and friends. "The ways people travel and how often they travel have changed dramatically over the last several years. The Daily Travel Survey will help provide the data we need to make future transportation investments at the right time," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "We are improving lives through transportation and the residents of Connecticut are partners with us on this journey. I encourage everyone who receives a survey to take part." As technologies evolve and travel behaviors have changed over the last few years, transportation planners are collecting current travel data to inform future transportation investments and prioritize improvements. The new survey is a statewide project sponsored by the CTDOT, the Federal Highway Administration, and local planning organizations throughout the state. The last travel survey was completed in 2016. If you would like to see the data from that survey, it can be found at CT Statewide Transportation Study Completed. Approximately 7,500 households in the state of Connecticut are expected to participate in this travel survey between September and December 2024. Randomly selected households will be invited to participate by a mailed invitation. While this survey is not currently open to volunteers, please respond if you receive an invitation. Invitations will be sent in waves over the next several weeks. Invited households have the option to complete the survey online, by phone, or through a smartphone app (rMove™) developed by the project consultant, Resource Systems Group (RSG). When complete, this survey will help CTDOT plan for a more efficient, equitable, and accessible transportation system. The survey results are expected to be released in Spring 2025. For more information, visit portal.ct.gov/travelsurvey. 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