Wednesday, July 1, 2015

Connecticut State Police to Promote Safe Driving for the Upcoming 4th of July Weekend


Connecticut State Troopers are ready to patrol in increased numbers to keep roads and highways safe for all travelers during the upcoming July 4th holiday weekend.

Traffic will be on the rise during the long weekend, as many people will be driving through and around the state of Connecticut for cookouts, beach outings and fireworks. State Police will participate in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) starting at midnight July 3rd and running through 11:59 p.m. July 5th.

Troopers will work to enhance safety and enforce laws across the state. Laser speed measuring units will be utilized to enforce speed on highways and secondary roads. Troopers will be strategically placed to reduce speeds on the highways and roadways during the holiday period.

In addition, Connecticut State Troopers will operate sobriety checkpoints in numerous locations in Connecticut. Sites for concentrated enforcement operations will be chosen where Troopers experience a high number of alcohol-involved crashes and incidents.

As a reminder, starting today, July 1, all Connecticut residents who have their license suspended after being charged with operating under the influence, will be required to install a breathalyzer on the ignition of their car. The breathalyzer, known as an ignition interlock device (IID), requires the driver to blow a breath sample into a tube in order for their car to start.

As always, the Connecticut State Police is doing everything possible to prevent accidents – especially fatal crashes – on Connecticut’s roads and highways. Troopers will utilize (as appropriatelaser units, and both marked and unmarked State Police patrol cars to enhance safety and to remove all drunk drivers from Connecticut’s roads.

“We ask all Connecticut residents to obey the rules of the road: Wear a seatbelt, keep both hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road, drive the speed limit and please be courteous to other drivers,” noted Dr. Dora B. Schriro, Commissioner of the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection. “Your participation and cooperation matters.”

Colonel Brian Meraviglia, Commander of the Connecticut State Police, added: “Connecticut drivers can help State Troopers keep our highways safe by setting an example. Drive the speed limit, don’t drink alcohol and drive, and immediately report any suspected drunk drivers to police by calling 911, as this is a true emergency.”

If you plan to consume alcohol, always designate a driver so that this festive, enjoyable summer weekend does not turn into a tragedy. Never drink and drive.

During July 4th 2014 weekend, Connecticut State Police issued the following number of summons:  1,559 for speeding; 42 DUI; and 297 seatbelt arrests. State Police investigated 312 motor vehicle crashes, 47 with injury, but no fatal crashes. Troopers also issued 3,841 tickets for other hazardous moving violations.


Information provided by:

Department of Emergency Services & Public Protection
Connecticut State Police
Public Information Office


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