Car Show to Benefit Youth Sports

Car Show in Seymour

Attention Gear Heads: Car Show Coming to Valley

DOT reminds drivers of motorcycle safety, awareness

NEWINGTON - The Connecticut Department of Transportation is reminding motorists and motorcyclists during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, to observe “None For The Road” to help prevent motorcycle crashes, deaths and injuries on Connecticut roads.

The campaign, “None For The Road” aims to encourage overall motorcycle safety, but also bring attention to the fact that drinking and riding is a dangerous combination.  Forty (40) percent of all motorcycle fatalities involve alcohol.

“Motorcyclists will be out in force as the weather gets warmer, which is why May is the perfect time for Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month,” said Commissioner James Redeker. 
“Fatal crashes with motorcycles are on the rise, and helmet usage is on the decline. We all need to be more aware of motorcyclists in order to save lives.”

Statistics show an alarming trend: in 2012, 4,957 motorcyclists were killed in traffic crashes, a continued increase from 2011. Those deaths account for 15 percent of the total highway fatalities that year. Injured motorcyclists also increased from 81,000 in 2011 to 93,000 in 2012. 

Helmet usage is also on the decline, dropping from 66 percent of motorcyclists wearing helmets in 2011 to only 60 percent in 2012. 
The decrease was most significant among motorcycle passengers, decreasing from 64 percent in 2011 to 46 percent in 2012. 
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that 1,617 lives were saved in 2011 because of proper helmet usage, but another 701 lives could have been saved if helmets had been worn.

Wearing a helmet is an important way for a motorcyclist to stay safe, but we all play a part.
“It’s up to all motorists and motorcyclists to make our roads safer,” Redeker added. “All road users need to share the responsibility of keeping the roadways safe. By following road signs, obeying speed limits, and always staying focused on the road, deaths and injuries could be prevented.”

Tips for drivers on how to prevent a fatal crash with a motorcycle include:

• Though a motorcycle is a small vehicle, its operator still has all the rights of the road as any other motorist. Allow the motorcycle the full width of a lane at all times.
• Always signal when changing lanes or merging with traffic.
• If you see a motorcycle with a signal on, be careful: motorcycle signals are often non-canceling and could have been forgotten. Always ensure that the motorcycle is turning before proceeding.
• Check all mirrors and blind spots for motorcycles before changing lanes or merging with traffic, especially at intersections.
• Always allow more following distance – three to four seconds – when behind a motorcycle. This gives them more time to maneuver or stop in an emergency.
• Never drive distracted or impaired.

According to the Connecticut Department of Transportation, motorcyclists must also take precautions to remain safe on the road, and can increase their safety by following these steps:

• Wear a DOT-compliant helmet and other protective gear.
• Obey all traffic laws and be properly licensed.
• Use hand and turn signals at every lane change or turn.
• Wear brightly colored clothes and reflective tape to increase visibility.
• Ride in the middle of the lane where you will be more visible to drivers.
• Never ride distracted or impaired.

“By following basic safety rules, we can all help prevent crashes,” said Redeker. “Our message is for all drivers and riders: Share the responsibility of keeping our roads safe—always share the road.”

For more information on motorcycle safety, visit www.nhtsa.gov/Safety/Motorcycles.


 This is a press release from the Department of Transportation.

Shelton police announce Sunday's parking ban, street closures

Green Ribbon Ride to remember victims

    SHELTON - On Sunday the city will host the start of the Green Ribbon Ride, a motorcycle ride and event, sponsored by the five Newtown Fire Departments, Lt. Robert Kozlowsky said in a release. 
    The ride will assemble and begin at the Riverwalk downtown and there will be a parking ban and several street closures.

    The parking ban is in effect from 6:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. for posted streets and 12 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for the Municipal Parking Lots at Cornell St./Howe Ave. and Howe Ave. next to the Donut Stop.
    Any vehicles parked within said areas during the stated hours will be towed at owner’s expense.
    The road closures will begin at 7 a.m. until approximately 12:30 p.m.
    The following streets will be affected by the ban and the closure:

 HOWE AVENUE – From Wharf Street to Center Street  – BOTH SIDES.
 HOWE AVENUE – From Center Street to Bridge Street – EAST SIDE or                                                                  NORTHBOUND CURB.
 CANAL STREET – From Wharf Street to Bridge Street – BOTH SIDES.
 CORNELL STREET – From Howe Avenue to Canal Street – BOTH SIDES.
 HILL STREET - From Howe Avenue to Canal Street – BOTH SIDES.
  WHARF STREET - From Howe Avenue to Canal Street – BOTH SIDES.

    High turnout is expected for this event and police are warning drivers there may be significant traffic delays in the area.
    Any questions about the parking ban and street closures should be directed to the Shelton Police Traffic Division.


This post is taken from a press release from Lt. Robert Kozlowsky, Shelton Police spokesman.
 

Emmett O'Brien to host car show next month

 This '61 Chevrolet Impala SS was on display at the school's 2010 show.    

Close-up of the insignia of this limited-production model. Photos by Ralph Villers

ANSONIA - Calling all vehicle enthusiasts: Cars, trucks, and motorcycles of all descriptions will be on display Oct. 7 at the Fall Car Show at Emmett O'Brien Technical High School, 141 Prindle Ave.

The fifth annual event is rain or shine. Gates open at 8 a.m.; the show runs from 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

General registration is $10. Price of a Super Spot is $35 and it includes prime location, breakfast, lunch and beverages for two people and a student runner.

The first 10 Super Spots that are pre-registered will receive a “Special Award.”
Goody bags will be given to first 100 to register at http://www.cttech.org/OBRIEN/.


The show will feature food, music, raffles, and trophies.

Admission is $2 a person; students, $1. Children under 10 admitted free.

The above is taken from information on the tech school's website.