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Greenwich Pedestrians, Bikers Reminded To Be Attentive After Fatal Crashes

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — In the wake of deadly traffic tragedies in the area last week, Fairfield Police Lt. James Perez shared some important tips to keep everyone safe on the roads.

Fairfield Police Lt. James Perez (file photo, right) gave The Daily Voice some traffic safety tips in the wake of two fatal accidents in the last week.

Fairfield Police Lt. James Perez (file photo, right) gave The Daily Voice some traffic safety tips in the wake of two fatal accidents in the last week.

Photo Credit: Jay Polansky, File

The warmer weather mean more residents will be taking walks, jogs and bike rides, often sharing the road with vehicles.

“People don’t realize cars can be a really dangerous weapon,” Perez said. “We’re always emphasizing safety and awareness when (people) are out and about.”

On Thursday evening, a 5-year-old Norwalk boy was struck and killed by a car that had turned into his driveway, police said. 

Three days earlier, 72-year-old Abdul Aziz of Stamford was riding his bike on the sidewalk of Tresser Boulevard and had entered a crosswalk when he was struck by a car, police said. Aziz, who was not wearing a helmet, died last Tuesday at Stamford Hospital. On Wednesday, 54-year-old Teresa Glossy was killed by a hit-and-run driver on Howe Avenue in Shelton. She was found unconscious in the road and died at St. Vincent's Medical Center. 

Perez, who was not involved in the cases, offered advice. Walkers and joggers should be aware of their surroundings at all times. If you’re listening to music, use only one earbud, he said.

“You need to be able to hear natural ambient sounds,” he said. “Sometimes you can hear when danger is about to strike.”

Pedestrians and cyclists should opt for bright, colorful clothing to be easily seen. They should also walk against traffic, even when on sidewalks. The opposite is true for cyclists, who should ride with traffic and obey all traffic laws.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reported 730 deaths when cyclists were struck or fell from their bikes in 2013. There were an estimated 34,000 accidents involving bikes overall, Perez said.

The lieutenant recommends all cyclists wear helmets. Those 16 and under are required to by law in Connecticut.

Before you head out, make sure the bike’s tire pressure is correct and check the brakes. When braking, press the rear brakes first to avoid flipping over the handlebars.

Avoid twilight bike rides. Drivers’ eyes need to adjust from daylight to nighttime and they are least likely to see you as the day transitions to night.

Parking lots are also dangerous places to ride because the are no rules governing traffic flow. Those pushing strollers or cycling through a lot should take extra caution, Perez said.

Drivers need to be aware of their surroundings, too, especially in parking lots, Perez said.

Keep the distractions to a minimum and slow down, Perez said.

“If people take the time to be a little more vigilant, it can make a significant difference,” he said.

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