Latest news with #ConnecticutDOT
Yahoo
20-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Colchester creates truck meant to protect first responders on highways
COLCHESTER, Conn. (WTNH) — Colchester fire officials say the 'alarming increase' of accidents involving emergency vehicles prompted them to create a new truck specifically designed to protect first responders. The 'Scorpion 328' was placed into service on March 13, according to fire officials on Thursday, who said their FLEET Maintenance team had first responders' safety in mind when they put the truck together. Connecticut DOT's 'Real Lives' campaign highlights importance of roadway safety 'In 2024, we saw an alarming increase in accidents involving fire apparatus, police vehicles and DOT trucks parked at highway incidents. Some of these accidents resulted in fatalities,' fire officials said in a statement. 'With our personnel's safety a top priority, we thought outside the box and worked on a new initiative for highway safety from an emergency services perspective,' they continued. The new unit has a crash attenuator to provide a barrier of protection and take on impact if a vehicle does drive into it. It also has emergency lights and a large arrow board to warn incoming drivers and provide them redirection. Man says driver who fatally hit Trooper Pelletier didn't have permission to drive car Colchester officials said they are the second fire department in Connecticut to acquire an apparatus of this nature. The other one is operated by the Norwalk Fire Department. Colchester's was funded by two Department of Transportation Highway Safety Grants. Fire officials remind drivers it's the law to slow down and move over when approaching an emergency incident, broken down vehicle or construction site. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Connecticut DOT announces $2 million rural road safety campaign
CONNECTICUT (WTNH) — The Connecticut Department of Transportation announced a $2 million initiative to improve road safety and reduce crashes on rural roads on Wednesday. The High-Risk Rural Roads Enforcement Campaign will run from March 1 to May 30 and will focus on increasing patrols on rural roadways and implementing speed detection technology. The campaign will also boost public awareness, according to a written release. Connecticut DOT introduces new truck to analyze road lines The initiative will be funded by the Federal Highway Administration. '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,' Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said in a written statement. '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!' The DOT first launched the campaign in 2024, which led to over 7,000 traffic stops and over 4,300 speeding tickets, a written release read. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
