Seat Belts Save Lives: Something to Be Thankful for This Thanksgiving

CTDOT and Law Enforcement remind drivers to buckle up during annual Click It or Ticket Campaign. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Seat Belts Save Lives: Something to Be Thankful for This Thanksgiving Posted on November 26 , 2025 As families and friends prepare to gather for Thanksgiving, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and law enforcement agencies statewide are reminding everyone to buckle up to get to their holiday destinations safely. Beginning Thursday, November 27, and running through Friday, December 5, 2025, the annual Click It or Ticket campaign will be underway, focusing on seat belt safety through heightened enforcement and public awareness. The goal of the campaign is simple: increase seat belt use and prevent senseless tragedies during one of the busiest travel periods of the year. In 2023, 71 people lost their lives on Connecticut roadways while not wearing seat belts. Nationally, during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend in 2023, 47% of those killed in nighttime crashes and 38% of those killed in daytime crashes were unbuckled. "When the unexpected happens, that simple click of a seat belt can be the difference between tragedy and survival," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Seat belts save thousands of lives every year, which is why it's critical - before you put your car into drive - everyone in your vehicle is buckled up." This holiday season, drivers will see increased law enforcement on Connecticut roads. Officers will pull over anyone not wearing a seat belt and issue a citation – because enforcing seat belt laws saves lives. "When you get behind the wheel, buckling up should be as automatic as starting the engine. Our troopers are out in force because we know one simple action can mean the difference between walking away from a collision and not surviving at all," said Connecticut State Police Commanding Officer Colonel Daniel Loughman. "This Click It or Ticket campaign isn't about punishment: it's about readiness, responsibility, and respecting the lives in your vehicle. Buckle up every trip, every time." "Buckling seat belts for all passengers in a motor vehicle is the simplest and most effective way to prevent serious injuries in a crash, and it's also the easiest way to avoid a ticket," said Watertown Police Chief and Chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee Josh Bernegger. Connecticut law requires all drivers and passengers, front and back, to wear a seat belt. Violators can face fines starting at $92 for a first offense. For more information on seat belt safety, please visit nhtsa.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

Protect What You’re Thankful For: Never Drive Impaired

CTDOT encourages safe and responsible driving this holiday season. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Protect What You're Thankful For: Never Drive Impaired Posted on November 25 , 2025 As Thanksgiving approaches, the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is joining the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to remind everyone that Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving. Whether you're driving across town or across the state, celebrating responsibly is the best way to ensure everyone makes it home safely. One of the most dangerous times on the road is the night before Thanksgiving, a night often associated with gatherings, reconnecting with friends, and increased alcohol consumption. Planning ahead for a sober ride, whether it's a designated driver, public transportation, a rideshare or a taxi, is critical to keeping everyone safe. In Connecticut between 2020-2024, during the Thanksgiving holiday (defined as the Wednesday before Thanksgiving through the Monday after) there were 83 crashes involving an impaired driver that resulted in 76 injuries and eight fatalities. Nationally, between 2019 and 2023, 868 people were killed in drunk-driving crashes during the Thanksgiving holiday period, accounting for more than one-third of all traffic fatalities during that time. In 2023 alone, 174 people lost their lives in drunk-driving crashes over the Thanksgiving weekend, with drivers ages 21–34 making up the largest share of those fatalities. "Thanksgiving is a time for family, friends, and celebration – but if you don't celebrate safely, lives can be changed in an instant," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "Even small amounts of alcohol can impair your ability to drive. Planning ahead for a sober ride home helps ensure the holiday season is a time of gratitude, not tragedy." CTDOT recommends the following to keep yourself and others safe: Designate a sober driver before your celebration begins. Use a taxi, rideshare, or public transportation to get home safely. If a friend is about to drive after drinking, take their keys and help them get a safe ride home. If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement immediately. "As they patrol state roads and highways, Connecticut State Troopers are always on the lookout for impaired drivers. We ask the public to be our partners in public safety and call 911 if they suspect an impaired operator on the road – this is a true emergency and warrants an immediate response from law enforcement," said Connecticut State Police Commanding Officer Colonel Daniel Loughman. "Thanksgiving is not only a time for gathering with family and friends, but also to ensure that safety remains a priority on the road." "Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year. Connecticut police urge everyone to help keep our roadways safe by driving sober or choosing a designated driver," said Watertown Police Chief and Chairman of the Connecticut Police Chiefs Association Traffic Safety Committee Josh Bernegger. This Thanksgiving, make safety part of your holiday celebration and ensure you and your loved ones get home safely. For more information on the dangers of impaired driving, visit nhsta.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 Announces Improvements to Historic Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry

Web Version     CTDOT Announces Improvements to Historic Rocky Hill - Glastonbury Ferry Posted on November 21 , 2025 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced the start of an offseason improvement project for the Rocky Hill–Glastonbury Ferry, the nation's longest-running continuously operated ferry, serving communities across the Connecticut River since 1655. The project will enhance safety, accessibility, and aesthetics at both the Rocky Hill and Glastonbury landings. Key upgrades include the installation of decorative fencing, gates, and lighting to secure the ferry when docked and prevent unauthorized access. On the Rocky Hill landing, new sidewalks, ramps, and pedestrian connections will improve access from the adjacent park, while benches and other amenities will create a more inviting experience for visitors and residents who enjoy watching the ferry operate. These improvements bring the site in line with the recently rehabilitated Chester–Hadlyme Ferry. "CTDOT is committed to the Rocky Hill–Glastonbury Ferry, ensuring it remains safe and accessible for all users," said CTDOT Deputy Commissioner Laoise King. "These improvements will enhance security, pedestrian access, and the overall experience for the thousands who rely on this historic crossing each year." The $533,335 project, fully funded by the state of Connecticut, has been awarded to Colossale Siteworks Corporation. Construction will run from November 2025 through spring 2026. The ferry season runs through Sunday, November 30, 2025. For more information about Connecticut's ferries, visit our CTferry site. 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 Wins National Transportation Awards 🏆

CTDOT recognized with three awards, including the "America's Transportation Award" Grand Prize. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     CTDOT Wins National Transportation Awards Posted on November 19 , 2025 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today announced it received three national transportation awards, including the prestigious 2025 America's Transportation Awards Grand Prize. The awards were announced on November 19, 2025 at the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Annual Meeting in Salt Lake City. CTDOT won the Grand Prize for its emergency project demolishing, and then rebuilding, the Fairfield Avenue Bridge over I-95 in Norwalk in 2024. With it, CTDOT received a $10,000 prize, which is being donated to the Andrew DiDomenico Memorial Foundation and Connecticut Foodshare. "This emergency had the potential to impede travel and freight movement on the busy I-95 corridor. I am so incredibly proud of our crews and contractors who answered the call and delivered for Norwalk, the state of Connecticut, and the entire northeast region," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Garrett Eucalitto. "From reopening I-95 in both directions in a matter of days to rebuilding the entire Fairfield Avenue Bridge in just seven months, this project, from unexpected start to celebratory finish, showed what can be accomplished when local, state, and federal governments work together. Congratulations to all for receiving this well-deserved recognition."  Created by AASHTO 18 years ago, the America's Transportation Awards competition highlights the positive impact of state DOT projects on communities nationwide. CTDOT and 11 other state departments of transportation vied for the Grand Prize, after winning regional awards earlier this year from a field of 135 different submissions. The Delaware Department of Transportation's SR 299, SR 1 to Catherine Street Widening Project, received the People's Choice Award. The Grand Prize received by CTDOT ultimately was decided by an independent panel of transportation experts. Both America's Transportation Awards were announced on November 19. "From reconstructing a bridge in record time following a fiery crash to bolstering traffic capacity and adding transit, pedestrian, and bicycle facilities to better serve a growing population, these two winning projects showcase how state DOTs truly make a difference in their communities," said Jim Tymon, executive director of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials. "The 2025 America's Transportation Awards competition received the most state DOT nominations to date – highlighting this year's most innovative transportation projects that bolster safety, boost the economy, and improve the quality of life for everyone."  CTDOT was also recognized at the Annual Meeting with two AASHTO President's Awards. The AASHTO President's Transportation Awards honor individuals or teams at state departments of transportation that have performed exemplary service during the year, furthering the transportation activities of member departments and the work that has made their communities better for all who live and visit there. CTDOT received an award for its joint work with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) on the impactful Empathy at the Intersection program. This program initiative puts transportation professionals into customers' shoes to experience and see the street through the eyes of vulnerable users and operators. The program is a model of innovation that is shifting mindsets and bias. Additionally, CTDOT received an AASHTO President's Award for the first-in-the-country Section 106 Joint Programmatic Agreement it signed with the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT). The agreement established a unified federal review process and delegating authority to the state, which will accelerate the review of individual transportation projects that may affect historic properties under Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. This streamlined agreement cuts through red tape and helps projects move into construction faster. For more information about the awards and AASHTO, visit transportation.org.   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 Slow Down, Move Over to Keep Crash Responders Safe

Web Version     CTDOT Urges Drivers to Slow Down and Move Over to Keep Crash Responders Safe Posted on November 17 , 2025 National Crash Responder Safety Week is November 17-21, 2025 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) and the Greater Hartford Traffic Incident Management Coalition are calling for increased safety and awareness on the roads for traffic incident responders who put their lives on the line while saving others in honor of National Crash Responder Safety Week, which is November 17-21, 2025. The theme of this year is "Safety Starts with You – Slow Down and Move Over!" Every year, traffic incident responders put their lives at risk to clear the 7 million motor vehicle crashes that happen across the country. Nearly every week, national numbers show, a traffic incident responder is struck and killed while working to keep roadways safe – with many more sustaining life-altering injuries. In Connecticut, CTDOT partners closely with law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies, towing and recovery professionals, public works teams, safety service patrols, and many others who respond to roadway incidents. Together, these traffic incident responders assist thousands of drivers every year — providing emergency traffic control, protecting crash scenes, and clearing incidents quickly to keep everyone on the road safe. "We've unfortunately seen tragedies unfold across the country and here in Connecticut," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Deputy Commissioner Laoise King. "It's critical motorists understand the important role they play in keeping our first responders and workers safe. We're urging everyone to slow down, move over, and remain vigilant any time they see flashing lights. Lives depend on it." "During National Crash Responder Safety Week, we honor our first responders who risk their lives on Connecticut roadways every day," said Middletown Police Chief Erik Costa. "Their safety is paramount, as they respond to crisis in the most hazardous conditions. It is our duty to support and advocate for enhanced safety measures, training, and awareness to ensure they return home safely to their families." Connecticut has one of the strongest "Slow Down, Move Over" laws in the nation, requiring drivers to slow down and, when safe, move over for any vehicle stopped on the side of the road — not just emergency responders. On multi-lane roads: Move over one lane if it is safe and reasonable. On one-lane roads: Slow down to a reasonable speed. Penalties: Violations can result in significant fines, with increased penalties if an injury or death occurs. If a driver cannot move over a lane, they are required to slow down and proceed with caution. In Connecticut, the law took effect in 2009 to reduce risk to law-enforcement officers, emergency responders, and tow operators. It was expanded in 2017 to apply to every stationary vehicle along the roadside. To help keep roadside responders safe, CTDOT offers free Traffic Incident Management (TIM) training that brings together all incident responders to ensure the safe, quick, and coordinated clearance of crashes. The program focuses on responder safety and consistent incident management practices statewide. Since 2022, CTDOT has held nearly 350 training sessions, providing valuable resources and information to more than 8,000 incident responders – with approximately 60 classes already booked into 2026.  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