(MIDDLETOWN, CT – December 19, 2024) – Your Connecticut State Troopers are making a list, checking it twice, and preparing for increased traffic during the upcoming holiday week.
Residents will notice more vehicles on the road over the next week, as Christmas and Hanukkah both fall on December 25. Troopers ask that all drivers plan ahead and ditch the distractions to ensure safe travel for all.
“Tis the season for gathering with friends and family – and for consuming alcohol. We urge residents to plan ahead by designating a sober driver or using a rideshare service so that everyone arrives home safely in order to celebrate the year-end holidays,” noted Colonel Daniel Loughman, Commanding Officer of the Connecticut State Police. “Our message to all is this: prepare, use caution and be safe.”
With thousands of drivers taking to the highways of Connecticut for festivities or retail destinations, it is vital that motorists follow traffic laws to prevent collisions and injuries.
“State Troopers will be out in force to remove drivers operating under the influence. Troopers will be on the road 24/7 to protect all drivers from hazards of the highway,” noted Colonel Loughman. “As always, we ask drivers to be our partners in safety: if they see an impaired or hazardous driver, this is a true emergency that warrants a call to 911.”
Some tips from your Connecticut Troopers as we venture into the final weeks of 2024:
· Drive the speed limit.
· Keep a safe distance between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
· Ensure that all passengers are wearing seatbelts.
· Signal when turning, changing lanes or taking an exit.
· Refrain from texting or using your phone.
· Never consume alcoholic beverages, marijuana products or drugs – including medications that could impact driving – before you get behind the wheel.
· Immediately reduce speed to a reasonable level below the posted speed limit or move over one lane (when safe to do so) whenever law enforcement, fire trucks, ambulances or tow trucks are occupying a lane. Please give them room to do their job efficiently and safely so that you are in compliance with the state’s “Move Over” law.
Drivers are also reminded to plan their trips with care:
· Before your journey, fill the gas tank in your vehicle.
· Check windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid and tire pressure.
· Fully charge your cell phone prior to leaving home.
· Carry winter blankets, drinking water and snacks.
· Check traffic and weather conditions before leaving home.
· Keep a shovel and sand or salt in the trunk of your vehicle.
“Weather and traffic can change quickly here in Connecticut. We ask all drivers to please check conditions prior to leaving for your destination. As always, your top priority should be the safety of yourself, your family and others on the road,” added Colonel Loughman.
While on patrol, Troopers will focus on distracted driving and those who may be operating under the influence. If planning to consume alcohol or use cannabis, residents are strongly encouraged to designate a driver or use a ride-share company to keep roadways safer.
2023 Enforcement Stats: 12:00 a.m. 12/22/2023 through 11:59 p.m. on 12/25/2023:
Calls for Service – 3,795
Speeding Violations – 237
Other Moving Violations (Following too Closely, Failure to Move Over, etc.) - 202
DUI Arrests – 29
Motor Vehicle Accidents – 259
With Injury – 27
Fatalities – 4 (Franklin, Westport, Middletown, Salisbury)
Motorist Assists – 358
2022 Enforcement Stats: 12:00 a.m. 12/23/2022 through 11:59 p.m. on 12/26/2022:
Calls for Service: 4,601
Speeding Violations: 162
DUI Arrests: 15
Accidents Investigated: 268
With Reported Injuries: 20
Fatalities: 2