Thursday, May 23, 2013

Connecticut State Police Memorial Day 2013 Enforcement: DWI Patrols and Spot Checks


...From the desk of Lt. J. Paul Vance:

As the unofficial start of summer is celebrated during Memorial Day Weekend, all motorists should consider the safety of others using Connecticut roadways not only this weekend, but throughout the summer months. Using courteous driving skills, planning for traffic delays and safe travel to and from our destinations are part of a safe Memorial Day Weekend.


The Connecticut State Police are reminding all motorists to please be observant and obey all rules of safety on our roads:

  • BUCKLE UP
  • OBEY SPEED LIMITS
  • DON’T FOLLOW TOO CLOSE
  • HAVE NO DISTRACTIONS WHILE DRIVING
  • STAY OFF THE CELLPHONE
  • NEVER DRINK AND DRIVE

During Memorial Day Weekend 2013, motorists should be aware that State Police Troopers will use all methods of enforcement to increase highway safety. State Troopers will utilize laser units for speed enforcement and marked & unmarked, non-traditional police vehicles to patrol our highways and roadways.

The State Police Aviation Unit will provide an eye from the sky as they also patrol travel roads across the state.

“In the past we have seen several tragedies involving youth and motor vehicles.  These accidents remind us to pause and reflect on how important good driving skills and the actions of drivers can be,” said Colonel Danny R. Stebbins, Commander of the State  Police. “We are anticipating that enforcement efforts by Connecticut State Troopers will help to increase safety and provide us with a safer Memorial Day weekend.”

The Connecticut State Police ask motorists to join the State Police Team by exercising driving courtesy on the roads, thereby setting an example for the nation.  If you see a suspected drunk driver, stay a safe distance away and call 911, as this is a true emergency. 

Together, the State Police and the citizens of Connecticut can keep the state’s roadways safe for everyone.

As we begin this Memorial Day Holiday, the State Police enforcement operation is designed to remind all motorists to plan ahead:  if you drink, don’t drive.

The Connecticut State Police will participate in the National C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) program over this Memorial Day Weekend. The goal of this operation is to join State Police Agencies across the country to enhance safety in all states. Motorists are reminded to expect heavy traffic, exercise caution and allow extra time to reach their destination.

The Operation C.A.R.E. holiday weekend will begin on Friday, May 24, 2013, and will continue until midnight Monday, May 27, 2013. Connecticut State Troopers are joining all New England State Police Departments concentrating on enforcement of DUI and safety belt laws during the entire holiday weekend.

During Memorial Day Weekend in 2012, Connecticut State Police investigated 279 motor vehicle accidents and 1 fatal crash. Troopers arrested 77 drunk drivers, charged 1,797 motorists with speeding, and 816 with seat-belt violations.

Connecticut State Troopers will be on patrol over the entire holiday weekend.  The “Click It Or Ticket” Campaign, our first campaign of this summer season, is ongoing and will continue into the summer months. The goal of the State Police enforcement effort is to rid the roads of aggressive and impaired drivers.

For Memorial Day Weekend 2013, Troopers will concentrate enforcement on all hazardous moving violations, seat-belt use and illegal cell phone use!! Sobriety checkpoints will be set up at several locations throughout the state over the holiday weekend.

Remember, obey all traffic laws and pay attention to your speed, don’t drink and drive.  If you see a suspected drunk driver report it immediately by calling 911. The click word for all motorists and their passengers for the weekend should be: 

“BUCKLE-UP AND STAY OFF THE CELL PHONE:  IT’S THE LAW.”


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