Darien Police Urge Drivers To 'Slow Down In Town'

Information via Darien Police Department

DARIEN, CT — The Darien Police Department is urging drivers to be mindful of their speed and to "slow down in town."

The department last week noted a National Highway Traffic Safety Administration study of pedestrian crashes with hybrid and on-hybrid vehicles to determine the dangers for pedestrians.

The study found:

• A pedestrian is 35 percent more likely to be involved in a crash with a hybrid than a non-hybrid vehicle.
• A pedestrian is 39 percent more likely to be involved in a crash with a hybrid driving 35 miles or less than with a non-hybrid driving the same speed.
• A pedestrian is 66 percent more likely to be involved in a crash with a hybrid performing certain maneuvers—backing up, turning, or stopping—than with a non-hybrid.

Darien police included some tips for pedestrians and drivers:

If you are a pedestrian:

1. Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.
2. Walk on sidewalks whenever they are available.
3. If there is no sidewalk, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible.
4. Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections. Look for cars in all directions, including those turning left or right.
5. If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, locate a well-lit area where you have the best view of traffic. Wait for a gap in traffic that allows enough time to cross safely; continue watching for traffic as you cross.

If you are operating any type of vehicle:

1. Look out for pedestrians everywhere, at all times.
2. Use extra caution when driving in hard-to-see conditions, such as nighttime or bad weather.
3. Slow down and be prepared to stop when turning or otherwise entering a crosswalk.
4. Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crosswalk to give other vehicles an opportunity to see the crossing pedestrians so they can stop too.
5. Never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk. There may be people crossing where you can’t see.
6. Never use a mobile phone or other electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle or when stopped in traffic.