'Slow Down In Town' Campaign Begins In Darien

Darien CT

02 June, 2022

4:48 PM

Description

DARIEN, CT — Darien's latest traffic awareness campaign aimed at getting drivers to slow down in town and to be more aware of pedestrians and cyclists is officially underway. Town officials will be out in neighborhoods this week putting up "Slow Down In Town" signs, handing out stickers for local business owners to display in their stores and shops, and distributing materials to parents and students at all area schools. Flyers promoting the campaign will also begin showing up in mailboxes in the next week. The Slow Down In Town campaign is a coordinated effort by the town leaders, local law enforcement and members of the Representative Town Meeting to make residents aware of the need for slower speeds and to pay attention to the road when they are driving. That means using phones and other mobile devices less when they're behind the wheel. "The people who can really make a difference are the residents who drive on our roadways every day," said First Selectman Monica McNally in a news release. "This campaign is a reminder for all of us to slow down, and to pay extra careful attention, especially as we enter the busy summer season." Police Commissioner Brent Hayes said the primary goal of the Slow Down In Town campaign is to change the driving habits of more people. "I often hear from residents that people are driving too fast in their neighborhood where children are at play and pedestrians are on the road," Hayes said in a news release. "We want people to think safety first and be aware of their surroundings." Darien Police Chief Don Anderson said his department is happy to be teaming up with the town on another traffic-safety campaign. He said his officers will do what they can to speak to as many residents as possible to stress the importance of slowing down when they drive and be more attentive when they are behind the wheel. "This is a positive effort for the entire community," Anderson said in a news release. "Being more responsible behind the wheel protects everyone in town, not just pedestrians and cyclists. We all need to drive more safely and look out for others." The campaign will continue through mid-July.