Fairfield Police just wrapped up a “Click It or Ticket” campaign, which focused specifically on those driving without seat belts. Police had a zero-tolerance policy during the two-week program earlier this month, and hope it will keep Fairfield drivers on high alert throughout the holiday season.
Fairfield Police will also continue the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” program for the New Year's holiday, which will have officers looking out for signs of people driving under the influence of alcohol. The holiday season often brings an increase in drunken-driving-related offenses and crashes.
Connecticut State Police said they handed out 451 speeding tickets, and made 29 arrests for driving under the influence, during the Christmas weekend. There were 364 crashes on the state’s roads over the past week, including 38 injuries and four fatalities, police said.
State police expect to have even more patrols than originally planned for the upcoming weekend because of the “higher than normal” number of cases last week, Lt. Paul Vance said in a news release.
Connecticut State Police will continue “Operation S.A.N.T.A.” (Stop Another Needless Tragic Accident) throughout the New Year’s weekend. The program is designed to get drunken drivers off the road through increased enforcement all weekend. Police will also watch for those talking on cell phones, not wearing seat belts, and speeding.
“Our State Troopers will be working to save lives and keep all of our roads and highways safe,” Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection Commissioner Reuben Bradford said in a news release. “Remember that mixing alcohol with driving any vehicle is a dangerous combination for everyone and is illegal in Connecticut.”
Each State Police troop has been assigned a specific area to add extra patrols and heighten enforcement. Troop G, which covers southern Fairfield County, will pay extra attention to Interstate 95 and the Route 25/8 connector. Other troops will also have designated checkpoints around the state.
Click here to follow Daily Voice and receive free news updates.
