An image of a fawn deer (Odocoileus species) cropped down to put more focus on the fawn itself. This version: minor (levels) edit of orig pic by Elfer https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Fawn_in_Forest_edit.jpg

AAA: The Time You’re Most Likely to Hit a Deer Is NOW Thru December: Here’s How to Avoid It

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The state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) estimates there were more than 4,000 deer strikes in Connecticut last year, most of which went unreported. In fact, October, November and December – deer mating season — are the peak months for crashes in the Nutmeg State, according to a AAA Northeast crash data analysis, with more than three-quarters of the crashes occurring between outside daylight hours. Deer crashes are most prevalent weekdays from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., during the evening rush. — an announcement from AAA Northeast, this region’s affiliate of the American Automobile Association

“Drivers need to be especially vigilant at dusk,” says Fran Mayko, AAA Northeast’s spokeswoman. “Deer present dangers to you, to your vehicle, and to themselves so it behooves everyone to be prepared since such crashes can be costly, even deadly.”

According to the UCONN Crash Data repository, deer strikes contributed to fatal crashes in each of the past two years.

Darien Police video Instagram storm 02-09-17

Tips for Winter Storms: You Might Find Some New Ideas Here or Good Reminders

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United Way of Connecticut has these tips for handling winter snow storms. You know many of them, but you may pick up some ideas or reminders from this (which was last updated in December):

Before the Storm Strikes:
Winter storms and blizzards can cause loss of electricity, heat and telephone service and can trap you in your home for a few days. Have available:

Flashlight and extra batteries
Make sure each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves or mittens, hat and water resistant boots
Extra blankets
Battery powered NOAA Weather Radio and portable radio to receive emergency information
Canned food and nonelectric can opener
Bottled water
Extra medicine and baby items
First aid supplies
Healing fuel – fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a severe winter storm
Back up heating source, such as fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc. Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment
Sand to improve traction
Bring pets/companion animals inside during winter weather. Move other animals or livestock to sheltered areas with non-frozen drinking water
Make a Family Communication Plan. Your family may not be together when the storm strikes, so it is important to know how you will contact one another and how you will get back together.

Night Police Lights CT State Police on Facebook March 30-17 uploaded 06-20-17

When You See Emergency Lights at a Highway Crash, Slow Down, Move Over — It’s the Law

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In the wake of a crash last Friday in Southport, AAA Northeast strongly urges motorists to consider the potential danger emergency responders including tow truck drivers put themselves in when they assist disabled motorists on our interstates. “Connecticut has a “Slow Down, Move Over” law — which means just that,” said Fran Mayko, the spokeswoman for AAA Northeast, the regional affiliate of the American Automobile Association. ____________

— an announcement from AAA Northeast

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“When a driver sees an emergency vehicle — whether it’s a state police cruiser, fire truck, ambulance, or a tow truck — with activated lights, drivers need to reasonably slow down below the speed limit,” she said. And if possible, they should move to the adjacent lane to give responders space to operate, she said. Last Friday evening, two parked AAA Northeast vehicles with emergency lights activated — a flatbed and battery van, assisting a disabled motorist on Interstate 95’s Exit 19 on ramp — were involved in a multi-vehicle crash.

State Police Have These Tips for Parents & for Teens Going to the Prom

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Connecticut State Police have some tips for parents to keep their teenagers safe on prom night, which is May 13 in Darien. “There is nothing more heartbreaking than for a trooper or police officer to knock on the door of your home and deliver the sad message nobody wants to hear ‘Your child is not coming home,'” state police said in a recent announcement. Here are the tips, from state police on Facebook:
FOR PARENTS
Prom Tips

Know who your child is attending the prom with and obtain all cell phone numbers. Discuss the events ofr pre- and post-prom parties with your teen and with other parents. Talk with your teen about guidelines and a curfew.