Operation Lifesaver, Inc. Launches Railroad Safety National Ad Campaign on Connecticut Airwaves

The nonprofit public safety education and awareness organization launched a national public awareness advertising campaign ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation Operation Lifesaver, Inc. Launches Railroad Safety National Ad Campaign on Connecticut Airwaves Posted on May 12 , 2022 Operation Lifesaver, Inc., the nonprofit public safety education and awareness organization launched a national public awareness advertising campaign in Connecticut. Operation Lifesaver, Inc. (OLI) is dedicated to reducing collisions, fatalities, and injuries at highway-rail crossings and trespassing on or near railroad tracks. The three video ads, ranging from 15 to 60 seconds, highlight rail safety protocols and aim to increase awareness among rail passengers and pedestrians. The OLI ads will run on Connecticut TV stations until mid-June for the first time. "Trains can run on any track at any time in either direction. This ad campaign reiterates the message: if you see train tracks, assume a train is nearby," Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph Giulietti said. "We encourage all pedestrians and rail passengers to never cross over train tracks unless there is a marked designated crossing. We all need to do our part to reduce train collisions by staying off the tracks and staying alert." Since 2017, 30 pedestrian strikes and nine motor vehicle collisions have occurred on Connecticut rails. Already this year, Connecticut has experienced six pedestrian strikes and one motor vehicle collision.* "Operation Lifesaver's goals with this ad campaign are to educate the public and increase awareness about the dangers of rail incidents and how quickly they can occur," Operation Lifesaver Connecticut State Coordinator Kevin Burns said. "For our 50th anniversary as an organization, we're encouraging all residents of Connecticut to take the Rail Safety Pledge. Only together can we prevent train tragedies throughout the year." The OLI ad campaign will air for the next several weeks and the videos are also available online for viewing and sharing on social media. Find the Blue & White gives step-by-step instructions for motor vehicle passengers if they find themselves stuck on rail tracks. Drivers should safely exit their vehicle, find the blue and white Emergency Notification System (ENS) sign on the at-grade crossings, and call the number on the sign, providing the operator with the crossing number located on the sign. The operator will then alert train traffic to slow down or change tracks. "Remember, find the blue and white to save your life," the video states. "If an ENS sign cannot be found at a train track crossing, drivers can dial 911." See Tracks? Think Train! depicts a pedestrian walking along rail tracks while listening to music, unable to hear a train driving towards them until it's too late. "It's no contest," warns the video. "Every day, people tempt fate and die trespassing on railroad tracks. See tracks? Think train." This ad is also available in Spanish. An alternate See Tracks? Think Train! ad showcases the equal force of a car crushing a soda can to a train striking a pedestrian or motor vehicle on the tracks. In addition to ad campaigns, Operation Lifesaver also conducts several community outreach events every year and spearheads Rail Safety Week in September. For more information about rail safety and to take the Rail Safety Pledge, visit OLI.org. *Note: Data is up to date as of May 11, 2022. About Operation Lifesaver Operation Lifesaver, which this year celebrates the 50th anniversary of its founding in 1972, is a non-profit public safety education and awareness organization dedicated to reducing collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings and preventing trespassing on or near railroad tracks. In 1986 the non-profit Operation Lifesaver, Inc. national office was created to help support the efforts of state Operation Lifesaver programs, saving lives by sharing rail safety messages with audiences across the U.S. and beyond. A national network of trained volunteers gives free presentations on rail safety and a public awareness campaign, "See Tracks? Think Train!" provides tips and statistics to encourage safe behavior near the tracks. Learn more about Rail Safety Week; follow OLI on social media via Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest and YouTube. In CT, the CT DOT administers the program.   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 and Local Partners Highlight Importance of Motorcycle Safety Awareness

Motorists Are Reminded to Share the Road and Be Alert ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation CTDOT and Local Partners Highlight Importance of Motorcycle Safety Awareness Posted on May 6 , 2022 May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and with the unofficial start of travel season here, the Connecticut Department of Transportation, Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles, and Connecticut Police Chiefs Association urge all road users to share the road and be alert.   According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are an estimated 29 times more likely than people in cars to die in a traffic crash and 4 times more likely to be injured.   In Connecticut, more than 50 motorcyclists lose their lives on our roadways each year. In 2021, there were 68 motorcycle fatalities in the state, the highest number in over 30 years.   "More people are heading out on the road and they continue to travel too fast. Crashes are up on our roadways and speed continues to be a leading factor," Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph Giulietti said. "It's important for drivers to recognize the safety challenges faced by motorcyclists, such as size and visibility. Stay alert, avoid distractions, allow more follow distance, and look out for motorcycles."   Safe riding practices and cooperation from all road users will help reduce the number of fatalities and injuries. Here are important tips:   Always check your blind spots. Motorcycles are smaller than other vehicles and can be even more difficult to spot while merging or changing lanes. Take your time before merging and devote several seconds to searching each of your car's blind spots before proceeding with your intended maneuver.    Be extra cautious when passing. Make sure to signal your intention to pass a motorcyclist by using your turn signal. Always make sure you are several car lengths ahead of the motorcycle before returning to your lane.    Remember that motorcycles react more quickly than cars. Make sure that you maintain an adequate following distance behind motorcycles. Rear-ending a motorcycle can be fatal to the rider.   Be aware of weather. Bad weather has more drastic effects on motorcycle riders than it does on automobile drivers. Also remember that weather conditions often reduce your own visibility and may cause motorcycles to be more difficult to see.   Night-riding. Help riders stay safe after dark by increasing your following distance, ensuring that your high-beams are turned off when you notice an approaching motorcycle, and refraining from passing. If you are driving with your high beams on, you must dim them at least 500 feet from any oncoming vehicle including a motorcycle.   Stay in your lane. Motorcycles are legally entitled to their own lane of traffic. In no situation are you allowed to drive your automobile in the same lane and in close proximity to a motorcycle. No matter how small these vehicles are or how much extra room that there appears to be, sharing a single lane with a motorcycle is a recipe for an accident and illegal.    Inform motorcyclists of your intention to turn. Initiate your turn signal sooner than you normally would when you know there is a motorcycle driving behind you.    Intersections are danger zones. Many vehicle accidents that involve both automobiles and motorcycles occur at intersections. Always follow the safety protocol for intersections every single time that you approach one: come to a complete halt, view and obey posted traffic signs and signals, look both ways for approaching traffic, and proceed slowly.    Watch for turning motorcycles. Self-cancelling turn signals did not become standard on motorcycles until the late 1970s. There are still many motorcycles on the road today that do not have the self-cancelling turn signals that we are now accustomed to. If you notice that a motorcycle is driving with an activated turn signal for an abnormal distance, increase your following distance so that you have time to react whenever the rider does decide to turn.    Take a second look at left-turns. Before you cross a lane or lanes of traffic to turn left, take a second look for approaching motorcycles. Vehicle accidents involving the collision of a left-turning car and an approaching motorcycle can be very severe.    For more information on motorcycle safety, 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

Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry Opens for the 2022 Season

Ferry ready to launch Saturday, May 7, 2022 ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry Opens for the 2022 Season Posted on May 6 , 2022 The Connecticut Department of Transportation today announced that the historic Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry will open for the season on Saturday, May 7, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. "The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry is the oldest continuously operated ferry in the country, and remains one of the most popular modes of transportation in our state. The crews are ready and I know passengers are eager to head out across the Connecticut River by ferry. I hope you'll come and join us this season," said Connecticut Department of Transportation Commissioner Joseph Giulietti. Now, both ferries across the Connecticut River will be in service. The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry began operations last month. As a result of high water level and mechanical issues, the opening of the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry was delayed. Both ferries will operate until November 30. Pedestrians, cyclists, and automobiles are welcome on both ferries. The Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry is the oldest continuously operating ferry in America which began service in 1655. The Chester-Hadlyme Ferry launched service in 1769. Both ferries operate weekdays from 7 a.m. to 6:45 p.m. and weekends from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Weather conditions, water levels, or mechanical issues can sometimes impact the operation of the ferries. CTDOT will post closures or delays on the real-time travel and traffic website CTtravelsmart.com. For additional information on the ferries, including fares, schedules, and 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 Invites Public to Share Transit Experiences to Enhance Transportation Services

New Customer Experience Action Plan includes gathering customer feedback to help outline future programs, policies, and investments to improve bus and rail services in CT. ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌

Web Version     Connecticut Department of Transportation CTDOT Invites Public to Share Transit Experiences to Enhance Transportation Services Posted on May 3 , 2022 The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) today launched a new initiative to develop a Customer Experience (CX) Action Plan for public transportation customers throughout the state. The CX Action Plan will be informed by customer feedback and input, and will outline future programs, policies, and investments to improve public transportation in Connecticut. A new website for the CX Action Plan – TransitCX.com – is now live.   "We are at a pivotal moment in public transportation in Connecticut and across the nation. The pandemic has reinforced that public transportation is essential. Providing equitable access to high quality public transit is vital to the success of our communities and our state," said CTDOT Commissioner Joe Giulietti. "This Customer Experience Action Plan ensures we are making customer-focused investments that will position us to meet needs of those we serve and create a better, more connected, reliable, and sustainable public transportation system."   CX Action Plan goals include:   CONNECT: Connect with customers using public transportation to listen and learn about their transit experiences. UNDERSTAND: Better understand changing customer needs, expectations, and desires for the state's transit system. VISION: Define a vision for the future of all public transportation in Connecticut which is based on customer priorities. ACTION: Create a clear plan that includes actions that can be taken to achieve the vision and make transit a more comfortable, reliable, and efficient experience for everyone. CTDOT is engaging with public transportation service providers, stakeholders, community partners, and transit customers, to collect feedback and input on the state's many public transportation services.   "The heart of this effort is the community engagement. We are excited to get out there and have meaningful discussions about public transportation service to better understand how we can improve," said CTDOT Customer Experience Transportation Supervising Planner Alicia Leite.   Feedback and input will be the center of the CX Action Plan and will be used to develop priority areas and actions to improve public transportation in Connecticut. To get the maximum amount of customer feedback to inform CX Action Plan development, CTDOT has a robust community engagement plan that includes:   A website for the initiative: TransitCX.com; Stakeholder interviews, community meetings, and informational town halls; Front-line transit employee engagement; Focus groups with statewide rail, bus, and paratransit/dial-a-ride customers; and Pop-up informational tables at bus stops, hubs, rail stations, and community events. Comments will be collected in-person, on the website, via email at DOT.TransitCX@ct.gov, mail to CX Action Plan, Bureau of Public Transportation, PO Box 317546, Newington, CT 06131-7546, and phone at (860) 594-3618.   Engagement activities will begin late Spring and continue into early Fall. The feedback we receive from customers will advise the CX Action Plan which will be available for public review Fall 2022.   The first of many CX Action Plan pop-up events is planned for Thursday, May 5, 2022, at Hartford Union Station, 50 Church Street, Hartford, from 3 p.m.- 5:30 p.m.   The latest news and information can be found at TransitCX.com.   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